Ernest Shea's Obituary
Ernest Mark Shea, a devoted family man, graced this world for 93 wonderful years. On January 8, 2025, Ernie passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, leaving behind a legacy that will forever inspire those who knew and loved him.
Born April 25, 1931 at the height of the Great Depression, a time when life was tough for most Americans, Ernie’s experiences during those dark years helped shape his selflessness and desire to always be there for friends and family.
On his seventeenth birthday in 1948, Ernie proudly joined the United States Navy, where he served as a Boatswain’s Mate. When the Korean War broke out in 1950, nineteen year old Ernie was driving landing craft. He was part of history’s largest amphibious invasion at Inchon, South Korea, where he landed his load of Marines on the beach. Because of the extreme tidal range of 29 to 36 feet, Ernie’s landing craft was unable to get off the beach to return to his ship. He told of being pinned down in his open boat for many hours, and how cold it was at night. By the 1960’s, BMC Ernie Shea was commanding a US Navy Ocean Tug in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. He proudly retired in 1969 after twenty-one years of service. He then began a career at the Naval Air Rework Facility at North Island, California, where he retired after twenty-seven years.
Ernie’s biggest challenge in life was the loss of his beloved wife Seiko, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 83. For the final twenty years of her life, he took care of her after she suffered a debilitating health issue. Friends and family were in awe of his complete devotion to her well being and comfort. Ernie and Seiko are finally back together with their Heavenly Father … healthy and happy.
As we remember Ernie, we celebrate a life well lived, a love well shared, and a legacy that will inspire his family and friends forever.
Ernie Shea will be eternally loved by his children Michael and Bridget, and his grandchildren Shea, Parker, Trevor, and Jacob.
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