On August 17, 2019 after a two year illness; William John "Bill" Shea, surrounded by his loving family went softly in peace to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at his home in Butte.

Bill was born to immigrant Irish parents Dennis and Nora (Sullivan) Shea on June 17, 1931 in Butte, Montana. Bill was the youngest of 4 children.

Bill will be remembered by many for his genuine greeting of a firm handshake, beautiful smile and a twinkle of his beautiful blue eyes. Bill was raised Roman Catholic and was very proud of his Irish Catholic upbringing and his Butte heritage. He proudly served during his youth as an Altar Boy at St. Patrick's Church.

Bill lived his entire life in Butte, Montana. He attended St. Patrick Grade School graduating from Boy's Central High School in 1949. Bill truly enjoyed and spoke fondly of his High School Years. He participated in the Glee Club and was a solo vocalist for several high school performances. He was class President all 4 years of high school and Student Body President his Senior Year. He was an honor roll student throughout his 4 years of high school.                                                                                                                                                             Bill was an outstanding athlete excelling in football and basketball at both Boy's Central High School and Montana Tech. He played football all four years of high school as halfback and played on the 1949 State Champion Butte Central Maroons Team, which was later inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame. Bill played football for three years at Montana Tech, where he was Team Captain of the team that up-set the Butte Buzzy's. Bill was awarded All Conference Halfback and Linebacker for two years.

It was during his High School years when he met the love of his life and future wife, Shirley Penaluna.

Bill attended Carroll College and Montana Tech. After the passing of his Father Bill left college to work and help support his Mother. It was while attending college that he learned the skilled practice of Mechanical Drawing (Drafting), this skill helped pave the way towards his lifelong future career in the home improvement business. After leaving College, Bill went to work for Harrington's Surgical Supply. Bill then went on to work for Aluminum Supply Company and later purchased the business with his friend and Co-Worker Don Maddock. Bill later went on to open Shea's Home Improvement Center expanding the business by offering a variety of home improvement specialties. He prided his business on being able to serve his clients by offering both the home improvement products for each project and also the installation; a one stop shop with the motto, "We Do It All!" Bill genuinely loved his career and remained in business for over 50 years.

Bill married his high school sweetheart Shirley Penaluna on December 16, 1957. This blessed union brought forth four beautiful children; Cathleen, Gary, Larry and Torri Lynn. Their children were their entire focus and joy in life. The role of Husband and Father was taken very seriously by Bill; he loved his family unconditionally being their biggest fan, best friend and protector. The next chapter in Bill's life was the role of Grandfather and Great Grandfather which he mastered with the same love, joy and devotion enjoying every aspect of his grandchildren whether it be watching their activities or being surrounded by their love.

Some of Bill's fondest memories throughout his life were the years he spent with his Wife and Children at their cabin at Georgetown Lake and their many family vacations especially to Hawaii, California.

Bill enjoyed bowling, golf, and skiing. He also enjoyed coaching and officiating in his earlier years.

He was a member of St. John The Evangelist Church, Butte Elks Lodge, The Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Butte Country Club and he served for over 40 years as a local director/advisory board member of Glacier Bank.

Bill was preceded in death by his Parents, his brothers Vince and George and Sister-in-law Ruth, his infant sister Ilene and infant granddaughter Angelica Shea, Mother-in-law and Father-in-law; Tom and Violet Penaluna, Brothers-in-law; Bobby, Richie and Tommy Penaluna and Bill Quinn.

Bill is survived by; his wife Shirley of 61 years, his Daughters and their spouses; Cathy (Doug) Zemljak, Torri (Chris) Hafer, His Sons and Daughter-in-law; Gary (Jennifer) Shea and Larry Shea, Sisters-in-Law and Brothers-In Law; Florence McNabb, Sheila Penaluna, Martha Quinn, Dorlon Penaluna, Helen and John Sprunger, Judy and Bob LeRoy, His Grandchildren; Chad Petersen, Josh (Kara) Petersen, Shealyn Hafer and Sheridan Hafer, Steve Willis, Bryce (Alesha) Willis. Great Granddaughters; Kenzie and Kyrie Petersen. Bill is also survived by several nieces and nephews with whom he loved.

You are loved and a greatly missed…Shalom

The family is very grateful for the kind and gentle care that was provided to Bill by the Nurses of Compassus Hospice Care and our heartfelt thank you goes out to Dorothy, Karen, Deanna, Kelly, Amanda and Joanne.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 21, 2019 at St. John the Evangelist Church, 1500 Majors Street, Butte, MT with Mass of the Resurrection at 1:00 p.m. with Father Robert Hall Officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church, Butte Central High School or a Memorial of the donor's choice.