Thomas (Tom) Anthony Shea died peacefully Monday, December 28, 2020, in St. Louis, MO. He
was 89 years old. Tom was born on February 5, 1931, in Boston, MA to Thomas Anthony and
Mary McCarthy Shea. He grew up in Brookline, MA, and graduated from Brookline High School
in 1949. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he served as an Airman 1 st Class until
1955.
After completing his service, Tom traveled west looking for work, eager to start the next chapter
of his life. While visiting friends Hank and Martha Clark of Webster Groves, he looked around,
liked what he saw, and decided to put down roots in a city that quickly became his new
hometown. He settled on N. Taylor Avenue in the Central West End and worked for many years
in the Shipping Department of the Central States Plastics Company from which he retired in
1996.
Tom was an avid city dweller and took quickly to the charm, culture, and Midwest sensibility of
St. Louis. He loved to travel, enjoyed all types of music and performance, particularly the opera
and theater. Tom took advantage of lectures at The Sheldon, installations at the Saint Louis Art
Museum, and the beauty of the Missouri Botanical Garden. He had a wonderful sense of humor,
a hearty laugh, and was an extremely generous and eclectic gift-giver.
Tom is survived by many nieces and nephews and those who called him friend. He is
predeceased by his parents and brothers, Arthur, Walter, and Robert Shea.
Services will be held in Brookline, MA at a future date when family and friends can safely gather
to remember this kind and gentle man.