Deceased Friars

Eugene Shea, OFM

Eugene Shea

1918 – 1972

Fr. Eugene Shea, OFM, was born in New York City on Oct. 18, 1918. He entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Frairy in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1941, and professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1942. Fr. Eugene made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1945, and was ordained a priest on June 9, 1946.

Follwing ordination, Fr. Eugene was assigned to teach at Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y., where he was one of the “founding fathers.” He served there from 1946 until 1953, before teaching at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., for three years.

In 1956, Eugene volunteered to go as a missionary to Puerto Rico, and he ministered there for eight years. In 1964, he joined the staff of Friar magazine as circulation manager.

Less than a year after celebrating the Silver Jubilee of his priesthood with his classmates, he died in Frankfort, Germany, on May 30, 1972. Fr. Eugene was 53 years of age, a professed friar for 29 years and a priest for 25 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Eugene Shea, OFM

Eugene Shea

1918 – 1972

Fr. Eugene Shea, OFM, was born in New York City on Oct. 18, 1918. He entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Frairy in Paterson, N.J., Aug. 12, 1941, and professed temporary vows Aug. 13, 1942. Fr. Eugene made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1945, and was ordained a priest on June 9, 1946.

Follwing ordination, Fr. Eugene was assigned to teach at Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y., where he was one of the “founding fathers.” He served there from 1946 until 1953, before teaching at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., for three years.

In 1956, Eugene volunteered to go as a missionary to Puerto Rico, and he ministered there for eight years. In 1964, he joined the staff of Friar magazine as circulation manager.

Less than a year after celebrating the Silver Jubilee of his priesthood with his classmates, he died in Frankfort, Germany, on May 30, 1972. Fr. Eugene was 53 years of age, a professed friar for 29 years and a priest for 25 years.