John M. Shay Sr.

John M. Shay Sr. passed away at age 94 on Friday, March 25TH, 2016. Born in New Orleans to the late Michael and Antonia Bruno Shay, Mr. Shay was a long time resident of Metairie. He is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of nearly 60 years, Frances DiGiovanni Shay and brother, Thomas Raymond Shay. A devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather, he leaves behind his three children: son, John Michael Shay Jr. and wife Rebecca Landry Shay, son, James George Shay and wife Beverly O’Bannon Shay, daughter, Janie Shay Farley and husband Michael Eugene Farley; his eight grandchildren: John Michael Shay III and wife Audra Sigler Shay, Timothy Blaine Shay and wife Erin McNeil Shay, Rebecca Shay Clary and husband Lucas Odell Clary, Jessica Shay Robicheaux and husband Sean Michael Robicheaux, Alicia Shay Galloway and husband Scott Matthew Galloway, Michael Corey Shay, Megan Elizabeth Farley, and Nicholas Angelo Farley; his nine great grandchildren: Caleb Howell, Madison Shay, Collin Shay, Emily Shay, Eloise Clary, Hayes Clary, Colton Robicheaux, Caden Galloway, and Ty Galloway. Mr. Shay was a decorated war Veteran in the United States Army, serving in World War II. A retired Draft Manager from Miller Brewing Company and recipient of its Crystal Achievement Award, Mr. Shay proudly proclaimed he “single handedly” brought Miller Beer to the City of New Orleans. Mr. Shay devoted his life to his family and friends, unselfishly helping anyone in need. A “handyman extraordinaire” Mr. Shay loved to fix and build anything for his family. He also enjoyed traveling anytime anywhere with his wife Frances; playing poker with his friends in “Shay’s Casino”; fishing and crabbing with his children and selling anything you could park in his driveway. Mr. Shay was truly an all-around family man who enjoyed life to the fullest. The family wishes to extend their thanks to his devoted caretakers Frances Bozeman, Debbie Freeman and Vickie Turner. Family and friends are invited to attend the memorial on Tuesday, March 29TH, 2016 beginning at 9:30AM with a mass to follow at 11:00AM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Private inurnment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a contribution in Mr. Shay’s memory to the charity of your choosing.