Norman J. Shea

Albany- Norman J. Shea, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, with his daughters by his side.
He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on May 3, 1930, and was the son of the late Norman Sr. and Florence Shea.


He graduated from De La Salle College Preparatory School in Toronto, attended the University of Toronto and graduated from the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) School of Instructional Technique where he was an Instructor of Ground School. He later worked for Air Canada, and transferred his family to the United States to work for Mohawk Airlines. He was the first person on the scene of the 1972 Mohawk airline crash in Albany, showing the EMS responders how to open the aircraft's door and identifying a flight attendant who died in the crash. Later, Norm joined US Airways as Operations Instructor and Station Manager and after retiring worked for Denny Farrell at the NYS Assembly Ways and Means Committee.

As a young man, he loved jazz and he traveled with friends to Memphis, New Orleans and Chicago to follow the great jazz artists like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Benny Goodman. He was known for his quick wit, generous heart and for breaking into song at the drop of a hat. He was married to his beloved wife Marie for 60 years until her death. They enjoyed their travels to Spain, England, Italy, and the Panama Canal. Their favorite trip was to China. He also loved his many annual family trips to Cape Cod. Norm played semi-pro hockey, was an avid golfer, reader, bowler and played baseball, softball and soccer.

One of Norm's proudest achievements was as a National Life Member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Father Henry Tansey Division 5, Albany, serving as President of the Division, and marching as Co-Grand Marshall in the 2008 Albany St. Patrick's Day Parade. He loved traveling to Ireland with his fellow Hibernians.

Norm is survived by his five daughters, Catherine Newell, Laura Shea (Alexander), Maureen Shea, Peggy Shea (Kent) and Mary Ellen Shea; grandchildren Jillian Price (Michael), Mark Shea Price, Casey Kennedy (James), Benjamin Newell, Michael Field (Kendall), and Alison and Tarryn Franciosa; great grandchildren Jasper Schwabe and Zachary and Olivia Kennedy. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Patricia Shea and Marjorie Ball. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters, Peggy Casey and Sheila Shea, and brothers, Don and Barry Shea.

Family meant everything to our dad. He leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews who knew him as "Uncle Mickey," dear friends, and many Hibernian Hall friends, whom he considered family, especially Mike Hogan, Jennifer Manziano, John Holland, Carole Hackett and many more who will always keep a seat at the bar and a glass of Jameson in his honor.

Many thanks to his caretaker, Amanda, who attended to his medical needs and provided tender loving care. His daughter Mary Ellen lived with him and cared for him in his later years, facilitating his wish to stay in his own home. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff on 5 McCauley at St. Peter's who took excellent care of him especially Kendall, Patti, Maggie, Bella, Austin and many others who deserve so much credit for their hard work and dedication.

Relatives and friends may call at the New Comer Funeral Home at 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie on Monday, June 26, from 4-7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church, 10 Lodge St., Albany, on Tuesday, June 27 at 10 a.m.

To share a memory of Norman or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.