James F. Shea, Sr

Providence Shea, James F. Sr., 105, the oldest retired Police Officer in the United States, of the Village at Elmhurst, Smith Street, Providence, died Friday at the Elmhurst Extended Care Facility. He was the husband of the late Margaret M. (Mooney) Shea. Born in Providence, a son of the late Patrick and Mary (Travers) Shea, he had lived in the Edgewood section of Cranston for many years, before returning to Providence eight years ago. Mr. Shea was a patrolman for the Providence Police Department for twenty eight years, retiring in 1953. He served in the Traffic Division Precinct Foot Patrol, in the Smith Hill Neighborhood, with the late Colonel Walter E. Stone, (Ret. R.I.S.P.). He received citations, for the past six years, from former Mayor Vincent A. Cianci, Jr., and Mayor David A. Cicilline, to commemorate his 100th through 105th birthdays. He also served as a member of the Providence Police Department Flying Squad during Prohibition. He was a member of the Retired Providence Police and Firefighters Association, the Providence Police Association, and a life member of the Providence - Cranston Lodge of Elks, B.P.O.E. # 14. He was the recipient of several commendations for his police work during his career. He leaves a daughter; Dorothy M. Colicci of North Kingstown, a son; David P. Shea, and his wife Carol A. Shea, of North Providence, ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. He was the father of the late Norma R. Murray and James F. Shea, Jr., and brother of the late Lieut. George M. Shea, Sr. (P.P.D.) Edward, John and Miles Shea. The funeral will be held Wednesday, at 8:45 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Augustine Church, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence. Burial will be Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence. Visiting hours Tuesday, 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Augustine Church, 20 Old Road, Providence, RI 02908 in his memory will be appreciated. boyleandsonfuneralhome.com