Jeremiah (Jerry) P. Shea passed away on January 17, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants Jeremiah and Bridget Shea, he was preceded in death by his parents, brother William, and grandson Christopher Shea. He is survived by his wife Mary Shea, née Robinson, seven children, twenty four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
After graduating from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys (The Burrs) in 1943, Jerry attended Mount St Mary’s College prior to serving in the Navy, from 1944 to 1947, and completed his education and officer training at Yale University. In 1948 he completed requirements for a Master’s Degree at Catholic University while teaching at the US Naval Academy Prep School in Bainbridge MD. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, and they started their family. They soon moved to Wilmington where Jerry started working at the Security Trust Company as a manager in the bookkeeping department. In his 40 year career at the evolving Bank of Delaware, he rose through the ranks. He distinguished himself as a respected community banker in the Commercial Loans department, and eventually became the bank’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, where he oversaw the Bank of Delaware’s transition to the PNC National Bank. Jerry’s influence went beyond BofD and PNC; he was involved at the national level, serving as trustee of the ABA’s Stonier Graduate School of Banking’s board of advisors.
Jerry is best remembered for his personal style and his genuine interest in others’ lives, to the point of regularly visiting bank branches across the state, to personally interact with employees, customers and business associates.
Jerry’s community involvement touched many lives, with leadership roles in the United Way of Delaware, Catholic Social Service, the Wilmington Diocese’s Catholic Appeal, and the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and board memberships at St. Francis Hospital, the Delaware Community Foundation, St. Mark’s High School and St. Mary Magdalen Parish Council. Although a humble man, Dad received many awards over the years, with the Papal Award standing out in recent memory.
Jerry was successful in his banking career and community leadership, but family was his highest priority. Raising seven children added duties including cross-country camping trip director, Cub Scout pack leader, backyard barber, math tutor, “motivational speaker”, and “provider of the last word”. Dad led by example all his life, frequently providing demonstrations of his oratory skills and debating prowess at the dinner table; life lessons were learned at the expense of clearing our plates. He regularly shared the wisdom and insights gained from business, and provided great counsel at all stages of life for his children and grandchildren alike.
As if a large family and a challenging career weren’t enough, Jerry immersed himself in supporting community organizations and charities at a high level of responsibility. What was most surprising was that Dad found the time to till successful vegetable gardens, paint remarkable still lifes, and travel to uncommon destinations. Upon retirement in 1990, he continued the community service and changed his focus to enjoying more time with Mary in Cape May, Myrtle Beach, Bonita Springs and the ancestral home in County Kerry, Ireland.
Dad will be greatly missed by children and their spouses: Mary and John Dill, Jerry and Nancy Shea, Kathleen and Alan Feigenbaum, Michael and Maura Shea, John and Lynn Shea, Tim and Diane Shea, Dan and MaryAnn Shea. Poppop Shea is already a legend for twenty-four grandchildren across seven states.
The family would like to thank the staff at Cokesbury Village and Home Instead for their loving care for our beloved father. Dad formed many relationships among the staff, and they always rewarded him with respect and good humor.
Friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday evening, January 25 from 5- 8 pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington DE 19803 and again on Saturday January 26 from 10-11 am at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 26, at 11 am at St. Mary Magdalen Church. Following Mass, Interment will be in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Wilmington DE, 2601 W 4th St, Wilmington, DE 19805.
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