Dear Family & Friends of Dr. John Francis Shea
The celebration to honor Dr. Shea has been canceled at this time due to the uncertainty of this continued pandemic.
Given the tens of thousands of people Dr. Shea touched throughout his medical and teaching career, it is family’s wishes to cancel the service. Possibly when it is a more convenient and joyful time a celebration will be rescheduled. The family is thankful for all the love, support, and heartfelt memories shared by the many who knew Dr. Shea.
Your thoughtful consideration and cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
The Family of Dr. John F. Shea
Dr. John Francis Shea, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by love at his Burlington home on February 19th, 2020. John was born on July 13, 1941 in Peoria, IL to his parents James D. Shea and Ruth Shea nee:(Marchino). He and Patricia Ann Moeckel were married December 7, 1984 in Kauai, Hawaii and resided in Riverside, IL.
Dr. Shea was highly regarded by all who knew him for his compassion and friendship as well as his fervor to teach his passion of neurosurgery. Dr. Shea graduated from Spaulding High School in Peoria, IL; moving on to receive his undergrad from Bradley University in Peoria, followed by his PHD in Anatomy from St. Louis University. Dr. Shea pursued his career in neurological surgery; becoming a professor of neurological surgery, neurobiology, cell biology and anatomy for Loyola University Medical Center for 30 years. To describe all that Dr. Shea has contributed over his career is immeasurable, just as the lives he has ‘touched’. He was named “Teacher of the Year” on four separate occasions, “Outstanding Clinical Professor,” “Most Remembered Professor,” and received the Golden Apple Award from Loyola’s alumni association, as well as the medical school’s highest accolade: the prestigious “Master Teacher” award. He also was the recipient of the 2003 Stritch Medal. Dr. Shea was nationally recognized as an expert in acute management of neurotrauma and had the most renowned spine practice in the Midwest. Dr. Shea was a brilliant teacher who instilled joy as he created the desire for students and colleagues to learn from, with an addictive sense of humor which created an eagerness to be mentored by him
He was an avid Notre Dame and Green Packers Football Fan and dedicated Saint Louis Cardinals Baseball Fan.
He will be dearly missed by his dedicated wife Pat, daughters Kelly (Patrick)Pahl, Angela Shea, and Erin (Tom) Kaminski. His siblings Mary Gover, Pat (Jay) Bednar , Ann (Bob) Hickey, Fran (Joe) Crusen, Tim (Mary ) Shea, Peter Shea, and Joe (Ann ) Shea. His loving grandchildren Connor, Caitlin, and Tara Pahl, Sam and Ellie Kaminski, and Maggie Hollerman, as well as Eric Sisk, Neal Zurbriggen, and many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Shea was preceded in death by his parents James and Ruth Shea, his brothers Mike Shea and Jim Shea, and his sister Dee Ryan.
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