Daniel Joseph Shea, Jr.

Daniel Joseph Shea, Jr., 90, of Middletown, Rhode Island, passed away on March 5, 2026. Born in Newport, Rhode Island, on February 27, 1936, he was the son of the late Daniel and Mary (Teahan) Shea. A lifelong resident of Aquidneck Island, Dan was deeply proud of his Irish heritage. He grew up on Park Street in Newport and graduated from De La Salle Academy in 1954. He began his career with New England Telephone Company as a lineman, advancing through the ranks to become a supervisor and retiring as a district manager. He treasured the friendships formed during his working years and remained connected with many fellow retirees through the Telephone Pioneers organization.

Dan and his first wife of 25 years, Helen (Toomey) Shea, built a rich family life surrounded by a wide circle of relatives and friends on Aquidneck Island. They enjoyed square dancing with the Town Howlers club for several years. After Helen’s untimely death in 1984, Dan’s faith sustained him. He later found love again with Margaret (Maynard) Bowley Shea, sharing 35 years together and joyfully blending their families. Above all, Dan cherished his role as a devoted father and grandfather. His passion for family extended into extensive genealogy research and his steadfast support of Irish American culture in Newport.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel Shea (Karen) and Patrick Shea (Shannon), both of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; his stepchildren, David Bowley of Durham, New Hampshire, Stacey (Bowley) Yarrow of Middletown, Rhode Island, and John Bowley of Middletown, New York; his sister, Helen (Shea) McGowan Gardner of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts; his sister-in-law, Ruth (Toomey) Holland of Rumford, Rhode Island; and his grandchildren, Alanna, Kyla, and Niall Shea; Helena, Dylan, and Daniel Shea; Liam Coen; Evan Bowley; Emily and Andrew (AJ) Yarrow; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Dan was preceded in death by his wife Margaret in August 2025, his first wife Helen in September 1984, his sisters Maureen (Shea) Greichen and Catherine (Shea) McNally, his sisters-in-law Patricia (Toomey) Smith and Mary (Toomey) Durning, and his stepdaughter Beth (Bowley) Coen.