Shea, Timothy 1954-2012

SHEA, NELSON

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 4/15/2013 at 09:46:15

Capt. Timothy Shea

Aug. 21, 1954—Nov. 5, 2012

NEWBERN, N C — Capt. Timothy J. Shea, Dental Corps, USN, Retired.

Timothy Shea, 58, formerly of rural Granville, passed away quietly at his home in New Bern,

NC, on Nov. 5, 2012. He served as a Navy dentist for 30 years. He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Nelson-Shea of New Bern; two daughters, Erin Shea of Eveleth, Minnesota, and Molly Shea of Greenville, North Carolina; and a son, Isaiah Shea, daughter-inlaw, Anke, and granddaughter, Matilda, of Morristown, New Jersey. Tim was raised on a farm in northwest Iowa, the eighth of nine children born to Roman and Vivian Shea. He graduated from Spalding Catholic School in Granville, Iowa, where he excelled at baseball and forensic debate, winning state championships in both. He credited his Catholic education and rural upbringing for many of his achievements. He attended the University of Iowa, where he rarely missed a Hawkeye football game. Tim graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1982.

A fellow student, Rebecca (Nelson) became his wife and trusted friend of 33 years. The two welcomed their first child, Isaiah, in 1980. Although his profession carried him far from his native state, he was proud of his family and roots. He made annual visits to Iowa and to his own heaven on earth, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota. Tim shared his enthusiasm for fish ing and wilderness camping with family and friends, young and old.

Tim and Rebecca were commissioned as lieutenants in the U.S. Navy in 1982. Following the well-worn path of "East Coast" Navy dentists, Tim's early career took the family from Great Lakes Naval Base, IL (adding daughter Erin to the family) to Virginia Beach, VA (where Molly completed the family). Among the highlights of his long, rewarding career were cruises in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean, a tour in Iraq in 2007, and the honor of recognition as an honorary U.S. Navy chief. He served as Branch Director for the Naval Supply Corps School in Athens, GA, and the Mine Warfare Training Center inIngleside, TX. He also served as the Director of the Medical/ Dental Health Clinic at the Joint Reserve Base, NAS Willow Grove, PA, before concluding his career with a second tour at Cherry Point MCAS. In June 2012 Tim officially retired after 30 years of service.

A memorial service was held on Friday, Nov. 16, at the Base Chapel, Cherry Point MCAS.

Source: Northwest Iowa Review of January 19, 2013