Elmer (Sonny) Shea

Elmer (Sonny) Shea, 88, of Columbia CT passed away at Windham Hospital In Willimantic, CT on April 6, 2017. Born February 7, 1929 he was the oldest child of the late Thomas and Lena Kennison Shea. Elmer developed a love of sports at an early age. He was an outstanding ball player and brought his excellent mentoring skills to youth sports. Elm was one of the founders of the Windham Youth Organization coaching little league, pony and colt league baseball. He also coached the American Legion Post 19 baseball team. He was employed at Jones and Laughlin Steel Mill as a crane operator. Throughout his life, Elm used his many considerable talents for the benefit of all his children and those of so many others. Elmer was predeceased by his siblings; Thomas, James, Richard, Joan (Beaudoin), Leo,?and Hazel (Coriarty). He is much loved and will be missed by Olive Shea, his wife of 35 years, and his three children?and four step-children and their spouses: Michael P. and Paula Carey Shea of Windham Center, Rick and Joyce Shea of Englewood, Florida, Ken and Sharon Shea of Lantana, Florida, Clarke and Lyn Robinson, John Robinson and Alice Ryan, Dale Robinson-Gervais and Gerry Gervais and Sally Robinson and Wes Gregonis all of Columbia. His 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all adored by him, will remember him always at the center of family joy. He also leaves his brother Frannie and wife Nancy and sister-in- law Joan White Shea. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elmer's honor may be made by inscribing Youth Baseball or Youth Basketball on the memo of your check to the Town of Columbia addressed in care of Marc Volza, 323 Route 87 Columbia, CT 06237 A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 10, 2017 at 6:30 pm, at the Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rte. 87, Columbia, CT 06237. To sign the online memorial guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com