In Loving Memory of Simon Joseph Shea

March 26, 1938 – October 26, 2026

Simon Joseph Shea, 88, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by love on October 26, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of adventure, service, love, unforgettable memories, and all who loved him.

Born in Harrison, New York on March 26, 1938, Simon was raised in the Bronx, later moving to California attending Van Nuys High School in the San Fernando Valley, before his family ultimately moved again back to the East Coast settling in Washington D.C.. Determined to return to California, chasing the sunshine and surf, he joined the United States Coast Guard in hopes of being stationed back West, but life had other plans. He was sent to Cape May, New Jersey, for training, and then stationed in New England, where he discovered a true love for the Eastern Seaboard and the waters that would remain at the heart of his life.

During his years in the Coast Guard, Simon manned the Point Judith Lighthouse and served on Block Island. His lifelong friend and business partner, Frank Humbert, served alongside him. Their friendship continued through all the chapters and adventures that followed, with their families also forging a forever bond. To date, their biggest and family-operated venture, was the Golden Ring Bus Company, where many chapters of life would unfold including for their children and spouses. Many of them were employed for years, sharing in the company’s history.

Simon was first married to the late Joan Lee Barnhill (Shea) with whom he shared five children that they raised in the Baltimore suburbs situated on the Bird River. The adventures on that waterfront are cherished and embedded in their children for life.

Later, he met and married Catherine “Cathy” Shea, and cherished her sons, Paul Young and Harry Young like his own. They created their own adventures on Otter Point Creek.

Cathy and Simon shared a long, beautiful life together filled with family, travel, adventure, companionship, and a shared love of watching the water. Cathy literally would come to be the wind beneath his wings. Getting her own pilot’s license so they could continue their flying adventures- taking the helm when he no longer could, just as she always had by his side.

If there was one thing to know about Simon, it was that he was very proud of his Irish heritage. This was evident in his given name, his twinkling green Irish eyes, captivating smile, boisterous laugh, his storytelling, and the deep love he held for family and friends.

He possessed a remarkable zest for life and an adventurous spirit that never dimmed. He was an avid traveler, pilot, bus driver, truck driver, and boater. Wherever he lived, he found a way to remain close to the water, which brought him comfort, joy, and a sense of home. As he might have said, the water was never just a place to him—it was where his heart felt most at peace.

He was a man of countless stories—stories shaped by a lifetime of experiences, travels, friendships, and daring adventures. He shared them generously, and no one could resist listening as storytelling was not simply something Simon did; it was part of who he was. He shared these stories earnestly-he showed his kids, everyone single of them, what life looked like through experiences! The travels near and far, from beaches to coasts, taking them flying, exemplifying the art of car buying and deal making, bus trips here and afar, and most importantly, how to tell the tales of it all.

Simon left an indelible mark on us for all times—a watermark…one stamped by love and intention that will forever remain part of our own adventures and stories in this lifetime, well beyond his own.

His enthusiasm for fishing, exploring, hard work and enjoying life was something he not only shared but encouraged his children and grandchildren to emulate.

Simon, also know as “Pop,” is survived by his beloved wife, Catherine Ann Shea; his sisters, Andrea (Shea) Strobel [spouse, Roy Strobel] and Dana (Shea) Pallas, his late sister Denise (Shea) Arndt [spouse, Ben Arndt]; his children, Julia Jacqueline (Shea) Biondo, [spouse, Vincent Biondo] Simon Joseph Patrick Shea, [spouse, Lauren Shea, children; Julia, Gavin and Trevor], Joshua Andrew Shea, [spouse, Caroline Shea] Jason Timothy Shea, [Dawn Trompeter], Jessica Elizabeth Shea Choksey, [Shamit Choksey], Paul Allen Young, [spouse, Amelie Chagnon] and Harry Anthony Young, III [spouse, Laura Young]; grandchildren: Joseph Simon Biondo, Vincent Luis Biondo, Brady Thomas Shea, Will Andrew Shea, Aidan Lee Jyotin Choksey, Kieran Cruz Choksey, Allison Leigh Shea, Damon Gasper, Conor Aiden Young, Emma Marie Young, Robert Joseph Young; five great-grandchildren and the many family members and friends whose lives were enriched by his zeal, laughter, stories, beautiful words, and unforgettable moments.

Simon leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories and a legacy of courage, curiosity, friendship, and love. His spirit will live on in the waters he cherished, the tales of the places he enjoyed, the stories and poetry he shared, and through the continued remembrance of the warmth of his embrace.

This man, a beloved husband, a proud father, a lifetime friend, and “Pop” to all, can be best remembered not only by the stories he told, but but by the sheer gift he had of telling them. Forever the great storyteller and adventurer in our hearts.

Simon has been granted the honor of being interred at Arlington National Cemetery, where he will rest among those who served their country with honor and distinction, and most notably in the company of his late parents, Simon Joseph and Jacqueline Shea.

To quote another great storyteller, William Shakespeare, it would be fitting to say of Simon’s great adventures in this life and of all the love that surrounded him:

“I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all.”