Gerald "Jerry" Shea

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Gerald Shea Obituary

Name: Visitation for Gerald "Jerry" Shea
Start: 2015-12-14T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2015-12-15T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Adolf and Powell Funeral Home & Cremation Services - Willowbrook

Shea, Gerald W. "Jerry" 84, of Burr Ridge, passed away on December 11, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joanne S. Shea, and is survived by his daughter, Courtney C. Shea. A graduate of the University of Illinois and the DePaul University College of Law, at the time of his death Jerry was the senior principal in the lobbying firm of Shea, Paige & Rogal, Inc. He served five terms in the Illinois House of Representatives (1967-1977), including two terms in leadership, one as Majority Leader. Following the close of his legislative career, Jerry remained active in public service as a Member (1999-2002) and Chairman (2001-2002) of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Regional Transportation Authority, and as a member of several other government commissions. Visitation will be held at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison Street, Willowbrook, on Monday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. John of the Cross, 5005 S. Wolf Road, Western Springs, on Tuesday at 9:45 a.m. (prayers at the funeral home 9:00 a.m.) Entombment Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Christ The King Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Gerald W. and Joanne S. Shea Scholarship Fund at DePaul University College of Law, Office of Advancement, 1 E. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60604. Information: 630-325-2300 or www.adolfservices.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Dec. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Shea

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6 Entries

Jessica Roncone

December 20, 2015

Dear Courtney,
I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. My father, John Roncone, served with your father in the army and then they were law partners early in their careers. Their friendship lasted over 50 years. Your father was always so kind to both of my parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Kathleen Houlihan

December 16, 2015

Dear Courtney,

I also wanted to add my remarks to my sister's comments. Your Dad was one of those lions of the Illinois legislature, who was smart and knew the ropes in Springfield. He was also kind and would explain the process to younger people. I know my Dad valued his friendship. Rest in peace.

Susan Wilhelm

December 14, 2015

Dear Courtney,

So sorry to hear that your Father passed. Want you to know you are in my thoughts.

Love you,
Suzie Wilhelm

December 14, 2015

Courtney,
I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. As you well know he was a wonderful man, and a true "gentle" "man". I always enjoyed talking to him in Springfield, and listening to his great political stories of the past. I think my favorite memory of your Dad was when you had the place in Long Beach and he would stop by in his little red convertible mustang with a big smile always on his face. He was a longtime colleague and good friend to my Dad and Mom. Your Dad was always so nice to me, I will miss him. May wonderful memories of a great father bring you comfort.
Margaret Houlihan Smith

Kevin J. Cuttone

December 14, 2015

Very saddened to read about the death of Jerry Shea. He was a dedicated public servant in his life time of public service.
As a young Cook County Budget Analyst, I first met Jerry when he was Chief Judge's Boyle's Administrator for the Courts. He was a tough budget negotiator, who would go to the "wall" when the County proposed reducing funding in the Office Supply Account for a Court Office by $1000. When I became Budget Director, and he was in Springfield, he called to congratulate me. He was a very nice man. I am retired now, and last year met fellow Chicago retirees in Ft. Myers Florida at a restaurant named "Bucketts". On the wall was Jerry's House License
Plate- Shea- Small World.

If God needs a problem solver, He needs to seek out Jerry Shea.
My condolences to Courtney.

Dave Neal

December 13, 2015

Jerry Shea made an indelible mark upon Illinois government. More importantly, Jerry proved that you could be a tough advocate for a cause while respecting those who did not agree. He was a good friend and is already missed by all who knew him.

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