Deacon John P. Shea

John Patrick Shea Age 77, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in Joliet, Illinois. Born January 22, 1947 in Joliet, Illinois, John – also affectionately known as “JP” - was the eldest son of John “Elmer” and Catherine Ann “Kay” (Staehely) Shea. He had the distinct pleasure of spending his early childhood growing up on the grounds of the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant while Elmer served as the arsenal’s Chief of Safety. The family later moved to Wilmington, Illinois, where he attended St. Rose School. John attended seminary and graduated from at St. Procopius in Lisle, Illinois, now known as Benet Academy. He attended Lewis University where he studied business management and developed a life-long love of photography. John enlisted in the United States Air Force and served posts in both the U.S. and Bien Hoa, Vietnam. He was proud of his service and, in his later years, remained active in supporting fellow Veterans, most notably as a deacon for funeral services at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. After serving in Vietnam, John spent the first half of his professional career at the Illinois Department of Revenue as a collections supervisor and later, co-founded Rosegarden Real Properties real estate agency, as well as JP Shea and Associates, a real estate appraisal firm. He retired in 2010. A man of strong faith and devoted to the church, John was ordained a deacon in 2013 in the Diocese of Joliet, and humbly served the parishioners of St. Anne’s, St. Patrick’s and the Cathedral of St. Raymond. Though he loved so many aspects of serving as a deacon, he was most proud of his time as Chaplain and Director of Pastoral Services at Will County Adult Detention Facility under Sr. Vivian Whitehead. With her encouragement, John began a jail ministry to specifically counsel and support the young women who were incarcerated at the Will County Jail. He was so proud of that work and those he was able to serve, mentioning often how deeply he treasured his role as a spiritual companion for many during a difficult time in their lives. JP, quoting his late friend, Fr. Ted Burst, would forever say, “Our job here on earth is to affirm one another.” He truly believed everyone deserves dignity and to know of God’s love for them, exactly as they are. Nothing brought John more joy than his family, and the family would like to offer a posthumous apology for the hours and hours we know he spent occupying people’s time, bragging about each and every one of us. JP was just so proud he could not help himself, even if he tried. No one was luckier than we were to be the recipients of that kind of love. John’s survivors include his wife, Lynette; daughters Erin (Scott Smith) Shea Smith of Chicago, Kate (Doug Cogswell) Shea of Manhattan, Illinois, Kendra Albritton of Houston, and Devyn (the late Cory) Wingerter of Joliet, Illinois; grandchildren Abigail Smith, Chase Wingerter, Madison Wingerter, Aidan Overstreet, Keegan Cogswell and Evan Cogswell. sister-in-law Nan (Bill) Baer; brother-in-law Larry (Nancy) Weitekamp; numerous nieces and nephews including Kimberly (David) Gray, Brett (Cara) Weitekamp. John is also survived by his beloved Golden Retriever, Murphy. JP would want you to know that Murph was the smartest dog he ever owned, could count up to three, and really did understand what everyone was saying all of the time. It’s fitting that JP’s last words were “You’re a good boy, Murphy.” John is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Kay; two sisters, Mary Margaret (Peggy) Weitekamp and Kathyrn Shea; one brother in infancy, Daniel; his first wife, Catherine, the mother of his daughters, Erin and Kate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Disabled American Veterans community, at www.ihelpveterans.org. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 13, from 3 - 8 p.m., at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, in Joliet. The funeral Mass will be held Thursday, November 14, 10 a.m., at the Cathedral of Saint Raymond, 604 North Raynor Ave. Joliet. Burial immediately following at Abraham Lincoln Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois.