Richard W. Shea

Richard “Dick” Shea, of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, formerly of Attleboro and Palm Harbor, FL, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Paula (Farrell); his three children: Rick (Karen) Shea of New Vernon, NJ; Jen (Kevin) Mulcahy of Milford, MA; and Pat (Cori) Shea of Wenham, MA; eight grandchildren: Elizabeth Shea (Dan Sullivan), Hilary Shea (Stewart Hoffmann), and Caroline Shea; Connor (Kristen) Mulcahy and Owen Mulcahy (fiancée Arianna Mongillo); and Jemma, Marley, and Parker Shea; and many cherished nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Bernard Shea, his mother Madelyn (Wyman), and his brother Robert.

Dick was born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, on February 12, 1937. He was a proud graduate of St. Sebastian’s School (1954), College of the Holy Cross (1958), and Georgetown Medical School (1962). Following medical school, he had internship and residency positions at Georgetown University Medical Center, District of Columbia General Hospital, Boston City Hospital, and Boston University Medical Center. Upon completing his final residency at Boston City Hospital, he was assigned to serve as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Following two years at the US Navy Hospital, he entered private practice in July 1968, where he partnered with Dr. Fiore Rullo at Medical Associates of Attleboro. From their 2 Hayward Street office and the halls of Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Dick and Fiore built a thriving practice that shaped his career and fostered countless personal and professional friendships. After nearly 20 years in private medical practice, Dick transitioned to hospital administration, serving in Medical Director roles at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro and later at Morton Plant Mease Health Care in Pinellas County, Florida. Towards the end of his career, Dick continued as a medical affairs consultant to the Morton Plant Mease Health Care leadership team, an arrangement that allowed him to split time between Florida and Cape Cod — a place that held deep meaning throughout his life.

The family home in Bass River was a cherished gathering spot for over 50 years. He and Paula welcomed all into their home, never tired of the chaos created by their grandchildren and various dogs, and were energized by group dinners (he never missed a meal), as well as morning and evening chat sessions on the porch. Dick cultivated lifelong friendships with classmates from St. Sebastian’s, Holy Cross, and Georgetown, and treasured the multi-generational bonds formed in Attleboro.

He and Paula were active members of Highland Country Club, where Dick served a term as President. He was a 44-year member of the Hyannisport Club, where his love of golf flourished. For Dick, golf was never just about winning. Now, being honest, when he played, winning was usually a main focus; that said, he wouldn’t let his competitive spirit cloud his respect for the finer points, such as camaraderie, integrity, and the life lessons the game imparts. He relished every stage of the game. From competitive tournaments to leisurely rounds with Paula, and time spent teaching the game to his children and grandchildren, he took great joy in watching others discover golf’s magic. Dick enjoyed his Tuesday afternoon seniors group, and family members looked forward to his post round emails, occasionally with the subject heading “SMAA” (shot my age again), which included hole-by-hole analysis and self-deprecating comments about playing from the forward tees.

Dick and Paula had recently relocated to Thirwood Place in South Yarmouth, where they formed new friendships and Dick was enjoying his role on the Employee Scholarship Committee. In recent years, Dick’s intellectual drive, his devotion to medical training, and his love of family and friends came together such that he served as “unofficial primary care physician” to many. In addition to helping family and friends navigate their own maladies, he welcomed opportunities to speak with family members who were concerned about loved ones, always taking time to listen and offer comforting guidance and advice. Once you shared the details of a situation where he had input, you would receive check-ins and follow-up questions. He had an uncanny ability to process all the medical details and translate them into words that you could understand. He would then send you off, armed with the right questions - it was a rare gift and he shared it freely, with anyone.

Dick will be remembered as a voracious reader and a curious, thoughtful man with a remarkable sense of humor, who lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith, and friendship.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, November 21, from 4-7pm at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 22, at 11:00 am at Saint Pius X Church, 98 Station Avenue, South Yarmouth, MA. Burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Employee Scholarship Fund at Thirwood Place. Checks can be made payable to: Scholarship Fund and sent to - Thirwood Place ℅ Scholarship Committee, 237 North Main Street South Yarmouth, MA 02664

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