Passed peacefully on Thursday, September 27, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 28, 1946 to Robert Francis Shea, Sr. and Terese Marie Heberle in Atlanta, Georgia and was raised in Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from Saint John’s High School and Catholic University with advanced degrees. He had a distinguished career at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), spanning more than three decades, formulating and implementing policies, but more importantly, aiding and assisting thousands of individuals in the mainland and territories recover from devastating natural disasters. A good day for Bob was making a positive difference in someone’s life. President Bill Clinton praised Bob for his hard work and dedication over the decades helping not only our citizens but the United States Government to meet its obligations. He received multiple awards including the Presidential Meritorious Executive Award “for sustained outstanding accomplishments and noteworthy achievements in the Senior Executive Service” from President George W. Bush in 2007.
As much as Bob wad dedicated to public service, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his raison d’etre. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Mary Hope Katsouros-Shea; his four daughters, Sofia Shea (Marc Caligtan), Michele Mulloy (Daniel Mulloy), Hope Shea, and Victoria Shea (Jonathan Smith); grandchildren, Emma Marie Caligtan, Robert Patrick Mulloy, Mary Natalie Mulloy, and Maria Hope Caligtan; his sisters, Maureen Cohen (Meyer Cohen), Sheila Langmaid (Steve Langmaid), and Eileen Shea; and brother-in-law, Nick Katsouros. Our loss is great but our fond and loving memories will always live within us.
The family will receive visitors at Joseph Gawler’s Funeral Home (5130 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, District of Columbia) on September 30th from 6 to 9 pm (with evening prayers/Trisagion service at 8 pm). The funeral service will take place at Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral (36th Street & Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, District of Columbia), on October 1st at 11 am, with internment at Cedar Hill Cemetery following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church.
