John Shea

October 30, 1946 - August 7, 2023

John passed away peacefully at the age of 76. He was a larger-than-life character with an infectious laugh, gregarious personality, and witty sense of humor. He was charming, funny, generous, loyal, and always punctual. 

Born in Portland, Maine in 1946, John and his younger brother were raised by their mother, Betty Stephens Shea. When John was six years old, they moved to South Pasadena to be closer to relatives. He later attended South Pasadena Junior High and joined the Explorer Scouts. When he was in junior high, his mother transferred to a job in San Diego.

John joined the Army soon after turning 19 and served three years abroad, mostly in Germany, before returning to San Diego. He soon met Geri, who became his wife of 16 years and mother of his three children. It was during this chapter of his life that he became an avid sport fisherman and proud boat owner of The Best of Times. He loved being part of the fishing community of Shelter Island and was honored to be president of the San Diego Marlin Club in the late 1980s.

His analytical mind was wired for efficiency, data, and logistics. He was the type of person who could find joy in creating spreadsheets and budgets. His professional career included over 40 years of experience in technology development, data communications, and IT management. As an executive with SeaSpace Corp in the 1990s, John received an award from the Chilean government for his role in advanncing their remote environmental sensing technology. From 2000 - 2008 he worked as a civilian contractor and technical director to support various meteorology, oceanography, and IT programs within the Navy's defense efforts. For the final chapter in his career, he retired as the Director of Information Technology Investments, a member of the Senior Executive Service, on the staff of the Office of the Secretary of Defense within the office of the DoD Chief Information Officer.

John was a big foodie, knowledgeable wine enthusiast, and talented chef. He was also a seasoned international traveler - both for business and pleasure - and was proud of earning the 'million miler' status of American Airlines. Favorite pastimes included golf with good friends and colleagues, watching Aztec basketball, and taking road trips.

One of his proudest accomplishments, though, was his extensive genealogy research into his mother's Italian roots. What started as a trip to visit distant relatives in the 'old country' turned into decades of really special connections. Olfino was his happy place and he cherished his friendships there.

John is survived by his three children, Kristin Shea-Thiel (Miles), Katie Shea-Holl (Gernot), and Stephen Shea; four grandchildren; and his younger brother David Shea (Sharon), and many dear friends and relatives.

Legacy Remembers, August 10, 2023