Robert Shea

Robert Edwin Patrick Shea passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 17, 2016, surrounded by his devoted wife, Elizabeth (Betty) and loving family. Bob and Betty have been residing in Leesburg, VA where they moved from Interlaken, NJ to be closer to their children after Bob had suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012. They had also been active residents in the Fox Fire community in Naples, Florida. Prior to retirement, Bob and Betty, his wife of 52 years, lived in Springfield, VA for 35 years where they raised their five children: Kevin, Meghan, Karen, Donald, and Caitlin.

Bob was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on March 30, 1929, the second child of Eleanor B. Keefe and Carl (Major) Shea. He and his two bothers, Richard and Joe and two younger sisters Barbara and Carleen were raised in Arlington, MA. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 during WWII and served honorably for two years. He then moved to northern VA where he worked as a beer distributor for Schlitz Brewing Co. A lifelong, avid Democrat, Bob’s interests in politics then took his career to Capitol Hill where he served the U.S. House of Representatives as Chief of Office and Supplies and retired as Chief of Staff for the Committee on House Administration. He also served on the Board of Directors for Independent Bank of Manassas and Wright Patman Congressional Federal Credit Union.

Bob is remembered by his staff for his advocacy of promoting women into leadership roles and progressively supporting leave for new mothers long before FMLA. Bob was an avid golfer and was a member at Springfield Golf & Country Club where he was jovially referred to as “Lumpy” and enjoyed many days golfing and playing cards. His proudest accomplishment is his five children and nine grandchildren.

If you knew Bob, you were his “pal”. He was always willing to lend a hand whether it was getting you an interview, loaning a few bucks, or buying your first set of golf clubs. His grandchildren will always cherish memories of boardwalk bike rides, morning doughnuts, and “a kiss and a peck and a hug around the neck!”

Bob is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Shea, and their 5 children and spouses: Kevin & Carmelle Shea, Meghan & Matt Hall, Karen Shea, Donald & Jennifer Shea, Caitlin & Larry Clark, and his 9 cherished grandchildren: Robert, Samantha, Courtney, Colin, Victoria, Jonathan, Lexie, Jimmy, and Reese. Bob is also survived by his brother Joe Shea, and two sisters Barbara Waldron, and Carleen Shea and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Bernadette’s Catholic Church in Springfield, VA at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016 with a Vigil preceding Mass at 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to thank Capitol Caring Hospice and the team of professionals who assisted in making his last days tranquil and comfortable. And Gloria Brako for providing angelic care for the past six months.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Memory of Bob Shea made to Catholic Charities Diocese of Arlington at www.ccda.net.