02/17/2026
Obituary for Richard H. “Dick” Shea -
June 4, 1932 – February 11, 2026
It’s official: Richard Hayes Shea, age 93, longtime resident of West Newbury, will not be down for breakfast. And that’s a shame, because one, he loved breakfast, and two, he was one helluva guy.
Born in Boston on June 4, 1932, Dick was the son of the late Richard and Anna (Driscoll) Shea and the eldest of six children. He grew up in Wakefield and was proud of the Shea family’s deep roots in Greenwood. A 1950 graduate of Wakefield High School, he was a varsity basketball and baseball player for his beloved Warriors.
After high school, Dick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and was one of four brothers who proudly served in the military. He later attended Brewster Academy, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, captaining the latter two. He went on to earn his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of New Hampshire in 1959.
For 43 years, Richard worked as an outside sales representative in the fine paper industry. His career brought him lasting friendships that endured for decades—along with a few three-martini lunches at Jimmy’s Harborside.
Richard married Deborah Partiss in 1966, moved to West Newbury two years later, where he spent the next 57 years with his family and a barn full of animals. Deeply engaged in his community, Dick coached Little League baseball and youth basketball. An honorary Sachem, he never missed his children and their friends on the field or court and was especially proud to cheer on his son’s team when they won the 1994 state baseball championship. In later years, he became a superfan of the Pentucket Girls Basketball team.
For nearly six decades in West Newbury, he never missed a Memorial Day parade or service. He believed strongly in honoring those who served and remembering those who sacrificed.
An avid reader, Dick had a deep interest in history, military, and politics and was often described as a walking encyclopedia. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures: good jokes, a cushy ride in his Grand Marquis, stacks of morning newspapers, Saturday night suppers, golf in Wolfeboro, and summers at Saratoga Race Track. He was also one heck of a dancer—just ask his wife.
Richard was a lifelong Boston sports fan who took great joy in recounting both crushing defeats and historic championships. He held Red Sox and Celtics season tickets for decades during the glory years. He was in the stands when Teddy Ballgame homered in his final at-bat in 1960, saw Bucky Dent crush their dreams in 1978, and witnessed the Red Sox win the World Series at Fenway in 2013. He also enjoyed countless memorable nights in the old Boston Garden, from Russell’s Celtics to Bird in the ’80s.
Dick Shea hailed from a bygone era. A true patriot, he adored his hometown and his adopted hometown. He loved his country, community, neighbors, friends, and family. He formed lifelong friendships beginning in grammar school, through the Marines, college and throughout his professional life. He recently attended his 75th high school reunion. “Mr.Shea” was widely regarded as a local legend—for his stories, memory and quick wit. They just don’t make ‘em like Dick Shea anymore.
Richard’s greatest joy was his family. He took a sincere and devoted interest in the lives of his children, grandchild, nieces, and nephews. He listened with his whole heart, asked thoughtful questions, and showed unwavering support throughout the years.
Richard is survived by his wife of 59 years, Deborah (Partiss) Shea; his daughter, Analesa Smith and husband Christopher, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; his son, Jeffrey Shea of West Newbury; his granddaughter, Sierra Smith; his sister, Judith Shea; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Shea and Sharon Shea; his brother-in-law, Leo Axtin; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers, Phillip, Francis, and Charles Shea; his sister, Ann Collins; his grandson, Ryder Smith; his brother-in-law, Robert Collins; and his sisters-in-law, Joyce Shea and Marilyn Axtin.
Dad always ended his voicemails with “Over and out.” Now it feels like the perfect farewell. Over and out, Dad. Love you, and thanks for everything.
A celebration of Richard’s life will be held on Saturday, March 7, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport. All are welcome to join the family to share stories and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Semper Fi & American’s Fund (www.thefund.org).
Visit www.kentandpelczarfh.com to sign an online guestbook.
