01/06/2025
Friday our family lost a man that gave us legs in this business and taught us if you work for it you can make great things happen. We were blessed to have him as a father and grandfather. We will miss you Dad/Pup. Love you forever ❤️
CORNISH- Douglas Ross Shea born January 2, 1944, in Boston, MA. to John Shea and Barbara (McNaughton)Shea passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025, at his home in Cornish, ME, after a brief but bold battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his legacy, his loving wife, Diane Elizabeth (Vanleeuwen) Shea, married 59-years and his 3 amazing children, their partners, and children. Douglas raised a family with his wife, (that others described as enviable) a family blessed in love and laughter. He was known for his wit and his intricate and incredible woodworking, where he gifted each child and grandchild with bookcases and benches. There was nothing that he couldn’t craft in his little makeshift woodworking shed beside his house. He was a tireless and hard worker and taught his children the value of a strong work ethic. He was a building contractor where he built hotels and movie theaters and went on to own Cornish Lumber. His sons branched off and have built successful businesses of their own, and Doug was always their biggest cheerleader beaming with pride. He stood in awe of his daughter Donna and the successful childcare business which she built and ran for 25-years. When she went on to sell real estate, he would say, “So, what ya selling today? I knew you would be great at it!” He and his wife Diane were always holding hands, while his little dog Gunther was a constant friend by his side. Doug and Diane touched the hearts of everyone that saw them together. They created a family that was richer than King Solomon’s greatest golden treasures. He always made his children laugh, and would say to his beloved daughter, “If I don’t see you through the week, I’ll see you through the window!” He was greatly and unconditionally loved by all who were honored enough to know him and love him. He was a huge Bruins fan and enjoyed hunting with his family. Whether it was deer or moose, the best part of the hunt was the tradition of family togetherness. Along with his constant companion, best friend and loving wife, Diane, he leaves behind his son Douglas Shea and his partner Stacey, his daughter Donna Shea Estes and her husband Stephen, his son Dana Shea and his wife Julie. He leaves behind his grandchildren Chase Shea, and Cassidy Shea and her partner Liz. Cortney Anderson and her partner Joseph Mochi, Brooke Anderson and her partner Richard Taylor, and Meghan Anderson and her partner Travis Weeks, also DJ Shea and his partner Destini Rand and Will Shea and his partner, Tayla Bradeen He also leaves behind great grandchildren, Easton Shea, Mia Shea, Khloe and Peyton Mochi, Lainey Jo Taylor, and Beckett Weeks. He leaves behind his sister Margaret Blatchford and her husband Peter, his brother, David Shea and sister Laura Littlefield. He also leaves behind his niece (and God-daughter) Kerri (Shea) Mazerall and her husband Scott and their two daughters, Riley and Skylar. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, and their hearts will yearn to hear the humor that enriched their lives daily. He loved them deeply and infinitely and spent every moment making sure they knew it. Truly, he was a rich man, indeed. Visiting hours will be at Poitras, Neal & York Funeral Home, 71 Maple St., in Cornish at 1:00 p.m-3:00 pm on Saturday, January 11th, 2025. The visiting hours will conclude with a time of sharing memories of Douglas. Burial will be private in the spring at New West Baldwin Cemetery.
Online condolence messages can be submitted at www.mainefuneral.com
