Obituary of Robert F. Shay

Mr. Robert F. Shay, a longtime resident of Danvers, passed away peacefully in his home on June 20th at the age of 84. Mr. Shay’s passing came after a long and courageous struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Shay was born in Hopkinton, New Hampshire and forever treasured his New Hampshire roots. Mr. Shay attended Trinity College in Hartford, CT where he studied engineering, competed on the basketball and track teams, and was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Rho fraternity. As a professional, Mr. Shay had a successful career in sales and marketing with GTE Sylvania and Thomas & Betts, including recognition as Thomas & Betts National Sales Executive of the Year. In his later career Mr. Shay also worked for Vernon Martin Realtors as a commercial broker. An avid sportsman throughout his life, Mr. Shay regularly enjoyed softball, skiing, golf, fishing and boating throughout his adult life. He was a regular participant in both the Danvers recreation basketball leagues and various softball leagues, as well as an active member of Tedesco Country Club. As a youth, he served as the cook at Camp Belknap on Lake Winnipesaukee, and for many summers after he returned with his family to this special place that he always regarded as “heaven on earth.” Mr. Shay purchased season tickets for the Boston Patriots in 1962, and for over forty years he attended games with his family and friends before finally realizing his dream of a Super Bowl championship. Mr. Shay was forever young at heart, and relished the role of serving as a mentor to young people. He took particular delight in being a teacher to his son, nephews, and grandchildren. He coached teams at various levels for the Danvers National Little League for over 25 years. He was also an active member for many years of the Boosters Club at St. John’s Prep and was a fixture at athletic events ranging from freshman basketball games to varsity football. Mr. Shay treasured time spent with family, and was blessed to spend his life surrounded by those that loved him. He is survived by his beloved wife Gloria (Sellios), with whom he shared 54 years of happiness. He is also survived by his treasured son Robert F. Shay, Jr. of Danvers, his daughter-in-law Joan Shay, grandchildren Lauren and Matthew Shay, and many in-laws, nephews and grand-nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Betty Gilpin of California. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St, Peabody followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, Paleologos St, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Expressions of sympathy can b made in his name to the Parkinson Disease Foundation, 715 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118.