Robert Francis Shea, Jr., 76, passed away on September 12, 2024 at the Westerly Hospital after a brave battle with cancer.

Bob was predeceased by his parents A. Elaine Cox Shea and Robert Francis Shea Sr. Bob is survived by his three sisters: Gail Shea Grainger and her husband John of White River Junction, VT, LTC (Ret) Karen E. Shea of New Port Richey, FL, and Leanne Shea Jenkins and her husband Skip, of Plymouth, MA, as well as 2 nieces, 4 nephews and 15 first cousins. He is also survived by his ex-wife Janne Stobie of Eastport, ME.

Bob was a graduate of URI, just like his parents. He was also a graduate of Stonington High School, and a PG graduate of Worcester Academy. Bob played basketball for all three schools. He remained a lifelong fan of URI and Boston sports. Bob and his mother Elaine had daily conversations before she passed away about their favorite team, the Boston Red Sox. Like most members of his family, he was an avid reader. Bob always had an inquisitive mind, reading National Geographic and Smithsonian cover to cover.

He had a lifelong love of fish and fishing. In his younger days, you could often find Bob up at 4 AM fishing at the family cottage at Lantern Hill. His friends said that he knew every stream in Washington and New London counties. He also loved to go clamming at Winnapaug Pond. Like his sister Karen, if it came out of the ocean, he wanted to eat it.

Bob spent summers lifeguarding at Westerly beaches, always so happy to be near or in the ocean. After graduating from URI, he served in the Army, then returned to Stonington and was a high school substitute teacher. He became an expert on tropical fish, breeding and selling rare species, and ultimately started his own business maintaining aquariums for restaurants and offices in the area. He was also proud of the work he did for the WARM Shelter in Westerly, counseling guests who struggled with addiction.

Bob’s love of Golden Retrievers brought him great joy throughout his life. When caregivers in the ICU at Westerly Hospital asked what might bring him comfort, he replied, “I’d really love to see a Golden Retriever.” The hospital made that last wish come true when a therapy Golden visited him in his room. May he be happily playing with his beloved Sandy, Kelly and Toby right now.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 26 at St. Michael the Archangel, 60 Liberty Street in Pawcatuck. Burial will be private. Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce Street, Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, friends and relatives might consider a contribution to Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, the WARM Shelter in Westerly, or give their dog a little extra love and attention.