John E. O’Shea
February 01, 1927 - March 02, 2015
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John E. O’Shea
February 01, 1927 - March 02, 2015
Obituary
John E. O’Shea passed away peacefully in his home on March 2, 2015 after a long illness. Born in Ohio, Mr. O’Shea was a long time resident of Laguna Niguel. He was a graduate of The Ohio State University and worked 41 years in sales and management for Unisys.
He was the beloved husband of the late Norma O’Shea and the devoted father of Pam and Scott (Katie), both of Chicago. He is survived by three grandchildren, Johnny, Kelly, and Chrissy; a sister, Loretta Conroy; and his nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dear friend, Donna Riddell.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service, which will be held on March 20, 2015 at 10:30 am. The service will be held at St. Kilian Catholic Church located at 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Association or The American Heart Association.
6 responses to John E. O’Shea
LORETTA CONROY says:
March 8, 2015
MY DEEPEST LOVE AND SYMPATHY GO OUT TO JOHN’S CHLDREN, GRANDCHILDREN AND THE REST OF OUR FAMILY. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM.
JOHN WAS MY ONLY BROTHER AND MY MEMORIES OFHIM WILL LINGER WITH ME FOREVER. THERE NEVER WAS A BETTER BROTHER OR MAN. HE WAS THE BEST. HE WAS ALWAYS THERE WHEN I NEEDED HIM AND GAVE ME ADVICE AND LOVE THROUGHOUT THE YEARS. I WILL TRULY MISS HIM ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE AND I VALUE ALL THE DAYS I GOT TO SPEND WITH HIM. HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE NOW FREE OF PAIN. HE WILL SURELY GO TO HEAVEN. WE WILL ALL MEET UP WITH HIM AGAIN SOMEDAY. I LOVE YOU JOHN WITH ALL MY HEART. RIP DEAR BROTHER.
LOVE,
YOUR SISTER BABE
Virginia Mort says:
March 16, 2015
From the first moment I had the good fortune to meet John through my best friend Donna Riddell, I fell in love with him and his charming personality. John had more jokes to share in his repertoire than any person I ever knew. All his jokes were funny, and I can’t recall that he ever repeated any of the same jokes. John loved life, his family, his many many friends, golf, dancing, movies, plays, bar-b-que spare ribs, and especially the English trifle that I made for special occasions. John loved to travel, and once he got the urge to go on a trip, there was no stopping him whether it was a cruise or a road trip. He was always ready to learn new things, and when he mastered line dancing, he was ever so proud of himself. These last three years of his life must have been very difficult for him as it was for all who knew and loved him so dearly. John lived his life with integrity and with character extraordinaire. He truly was a gentleman and a very gentle man. John O’Shea, to know you is to love you. You leave behind a legacy of goodwill, an image of a perfect role model, and truly you have been a MAN FOR ALL SEASONS! Rest in peace our dearest friend. Loving you forever, Virginia & Jerry
Linda Williams says:
March 17, 2015
John was part of the exercise group that we have attended for many years. He was our resident standup comedian as well as serious participant in all the physical activities involved. Everyone viewed John as an example of what a healthy, vibrant senior looks like and we admired his ability to memorize his jokes that sent us all home smiling.
He will be sorely missed, and we send our deepest condolences to his family.
Rest in peace, dear friend. From Linda and Tony Williams
The Lockwoods says:
March 17, 2015
2 files added to the tribute wall
Donna Riddell says:
March 18, 2015
To know John was to love him, and love him I did! My husband Ralph and I met John and Norma when we became neighbors in 1991. I remember the first day we met – John was washing his Cadillac while Norma was sitting in the car talking to him.. We introduced ourselves and that was the beginning of our friendship.
It was easy to see that John and Norma were devoted to each other and it was always a pleasure to be around them. It was devastating to watch Norma’s cancer progress but she faced her challenges with great courage and strength and she always had John lovingly by her side. He was a loving and wonderful husband who adored his wife.
When Norma passed away, Ralph and I sort of adopted John. We knew that his family was in Chicago, so we became his California family. He had dinner with us often; we included him when we went to the movies, out to dinner, or out with out friends. I always told John that he was Ralph’s best friend; but he was my best friend, too. We both loved John.
When my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly in his sleep, John was there for me! He gave me books on grieving, he let me cry on his shoulder, he listened, we took long walks, and he was the most perfect friend that I needed. He was my best friend! I could not have asked for a more compassionate, helpful, kind friend. We spent a lot of time together.
One night John asked me if I thought we were becoming more than good friends. He asked if I considered us “dating” and I sort of agreed with him. That night, for the first time, John kissed me good night.. I could not believe it – I saw stars; I heard bells, my heart was racing and I felt like a teen ager. Wow! That was John!
We spent 14 years as a couple. Life with John wasn’t just good; it was great! We were so happy. I loved his kids; I loved his family; he loved my kids; he loved my family! John took me to far-away places that I never thought I would see, like Russia, Africa, Europe, even New York and New Orleans. John loved to travel. He loved to dance; he loved to do things; he loved people; and best of all – he loved life! We did everything together – long walks, classes and study groups, played cards, went to church – we both enjoyed our second chance at happiness.
John even took me to the cemetery where we visited Norma’s grave. I silently prayed for her and thanked her for sharing John with me. John knew me right up to the last week of his life, when he thought I was Norma. I told him he would soon be with her and I prayed that thinking I was Norma brought him some peace. I know that John loved Norma; and I know that he loved me, too. John has been my friend, my neighbor, my rock, for 24 years. I feel such a loss with him gone.