MICHAEL SHEA Obituary

MICHAEL DAVID SHEA April 14, 1967 December 6, 2024 Michael D. Shea, 57 years of age, passed away peacefully in his home in Honolulu Hawaii the evening of December 6, 2024. Born in Salem Massachusetts, he was the son of Michael and Patricia (Cullen) Shea. He was raised in Georgetown Massachusetts and was a 1985 graduate of Georgetown High School. Michael had a burning desire for a life on the high seas ever since he was old enough to dream big. His daring adventures in various ports of call and nations around the globe began as a merchant marine officer upon completing his higher education at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, graduating in 1989. Michael was a reserve officer in the United States Navy and served during Operation Desert Storm, in the Persian Gulf in 1991. He met his future wife, Olga Shevchenko in the Black Sea port city of Odessa, Ukraine during this time. After a decade traveling the globe on the open seas and advancing to the rank of Chief Engineer of steam, diesel and gas turbine vessels, it was finally time to come ashore. Having already maintained a residence in Honolulu Hawaii for several years, he began working for Matson as a port engineer in the harbor and settled down in 1999. Michael was proud of his specialized nautical and marine engineering skill set and had an extremely strong work ethic. Over the years, he continued to advance his career while with Matson and eventually he was promoted to Head Supervisory Port Engineer for the port of Honolulu. Michael loved his home and family. His son Oscar was born in Hawaii in 2006. He continued his worldly travels with Oscar, with whom he had a remarkable and special bond. He had a never-ending thirst for seeking out and maintaining new friends, of which he had a great number. His contagious laughter and warmheartedness would typically envelop any room. Those who knew him well recognize that he had a larger-than-life persona. Few will live life to the fullest quite like Michael. Michael is survived by his son Oscar of Honolulu HI, his brother Timothy and his wife Jeanne of Kingston NH, his father Michael of Georgetown MA and his nieces Ryan and Eavan. He is predeceased by his mother Patricia and his sister Maureen. A celebration of life service will be held January 11th in Honolulu Hawaii where he had a remarkable number of friends and extended family. A similar Boston area celebration of life will be held at a date yet to be determined.