John Alphonse Shea

JUDGE JOHN A. SHEA
1934-2021

Judge John A. Shea passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at the age of 86. Born in New Orleans on May 9, 1934 to Alphonse J. Shea and Rosalie Candiloro Shea. He attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Grammar School and was a proud graduate of Warren Easton High School (1952). In 1991, he was selected to their “Hall of Fame.” A graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans, where he also obtained his Juris Doctorate in 1958. He was a captain in the United States Army Reserve, serving in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps from 1958-1966. During that time, he was the Chief Attorney in the Criminal Legal Aid Bureau from 1959-1962. After leaving the Legal Aid Bureau, he became the Executive Assistant in the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office serving under Jim Garrison from 1962-1965. John was in the private practice of law for over 60 years and was proud to work alongside his children. He was elected as a New Orleans Municipal Court judge in 1979, serving for over 30 years, including five years as Chief Judge, until his retirement in 2009.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Joan Jacomine Shea, children Judge Mark J. Shea (Katherine), Erin Shea Stahnke (Jim), Scott P. Shea (Alicia), and Michelle Shea Scalise (Fabian); grandchildren Baileigh Shea Roy (Travis), Mitchell Shea, Delaney Shea, Shea Stahnke, James Shea, Scarlett Scalise, Shaw Stahnke, Michael Shea, and John Scalise; and great-grandfather to Baby Roy due June 2021. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Judge Frank J. Shea. Survived by his brother, Alphonse J. Shea (Janet). Judge Shea was well-respected in the New Orleans community as a lawyer and judge, but his greatest blessing and favorite role in life was being the patriarch of his beloved family. He never missed a sporting event, recital, school play, or anything involving his grandchildren. He treasured the annual family summer vacation to Destin, FL. He loved every minute of his life as a judge and considered it an honor to serve his community. He enjoyed volunteering, especially serving lunch in the St. Dominic School cafeteria. A devout Catholic, his faith guided his life. A true New Orleanian, he loved Carnival, especially Endymion. He was proud of his Irish heritage and marched with the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Committee for many years in their annual parade, serving as Grand Marshal in 1989. The Ancient Order of Hibernians named him “Man of the Year” in 2002.

After enjoying his daily breakfast at Betsy’s Pancake House, he was still going to his office in Mid-City every day and only stopped due to the pandemic. His smile and kindness would light up any room he walked into; yes, even the courtroom. He was gentle, humble, and sincere in all his encounters with family, friends, and those he barely knew. He would always go out of his way to shake your hand, ask how your family was doing and was quick to tell a joke. He touched so many lives in a positive way and his legacy of public service, family, and love will live on.

He was a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, 4th & 5th Circuit Judges Association (former president), and Honorary member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Crescent City Lodge.

Our family would like to sincerely thank the doctors and nurses at East Jefferson General Hospital for taking wonderful care of him, especially in the last several weeks of his life.

All are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Ave., New Orleans, LA 70124 on Monday, February 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. Visitation at the church will begin at 9:30 a.m. until Mass time. Parking available in the lot behind Lakeview Grocery. The Mass will be live-streamed beginning at 1:15p.m. at www.stdominicparish.com, St. Dominic Catholic Church Facebook Page or St. Dominic Parish NOLA YouTube page. Private burial to follow in St. Louis #3. Everyone attending must adhere to social distancing guidelines and are required to wear masks at all times.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in John’s name to St. Michael Special School, 1522 Chippewa St, New Orleans, LA 70130 or at www.stmichaelspecialschool.com.

Arrangements by Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70119. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenfh.com




 

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