Richard Nolan Shea

Richard Nolan Shea, 77, of Columbia, passed away peacefully Sunday morning, September 16, 2012 at St. Joseph's Living Center in Windham with his loving family at his side. Dick was born December 15, 1934 in Willimantic, the son of the late Lester Madden Shea and Mary (Twomey) Shea. Dick was a member of the Connecticut State Police for 27 years. He then worked as a private detective for 10 years and again for the Connecticut State Police for 2 years in a retirement job. Dick was a member of CSPAAA, the Columbia Lake Management Association and the First Wednesday Club founded by former Governor John N. Dempsey, for whom Dick drove. He leaves his wife Claire (Kelley) Shea, his daughter Margaret Shea Aleia and her husband Alan, his son, Matthew Nolan Shea and two precious granddaughters, Madden Aleia and Savannah Shea, three brothers-in-law and their wives and a sister-in-law. His family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday September 19th 2012 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Rte. 195 Willimantic. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, September 20th at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Church, 99 Jackson St. Willimantic with assembly at church. Burial will follow in West St. Cemetery, Columbia. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the "End of Life Suite" at St. Joseph Living Center, 14 Club Rd., Windham, Ct 06280. Please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com for online memorial guest book.