Mike Shea

Our dad, pa, husband and coach, Mike Shea, was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 30^th, 1945. He passed away February 6^th, 2023.

Mike grew up in Park Forest, Illinois and graduated from Rich East High School.  He received both a Bachelors and Masters degree from Illinois State University.  He lettered all four years in track, holding a fieldhouse record for many years in the 220 yd dash.  It was at ISU that he met his wife of 54 years, Susan Kaufman Shea.  They were married November 23^rd, 1968. 

Mike was the Campus Recreation Director at Illinois State, University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College.  He was also the Parks and Recreation Director for Sandy City and the Director of Alta Canyon Sports Center.  He retired as the Recreation Director at the Jewish Community Center in Scottsdale, AZ. 

Mike loved coaching youth sports.  He was very proud to have coached over 400 kids in softball, basketball, baseball and flag football; often treating them to ice cream and french fries after practice.   He loved to restore old cars, tell “Pa” jokes and work in his yard.  He took great pride in his landscape abilities and offered yard tours to anyone who passed by.

Mike has made many good friends and wonderful neighbors over the years.  He is survived by his wife, Susie; daughters, Karen (Mike) Schoenfeld, Rebecca (Ernie) Saldana, Robyn Shea; Sons: Christopher “Chicken” (Teresa) Shea, Brian Hampton, Kyle (Britney) Shea; and 10 grandchildren.  He is also survived by his favorite cousin Dick Shea.  He was preceded in death by his parents, stepdad (Jack Shea), brother (John Shea) and nephew (Jack Shea).

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at McKay Dee Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.  There will be no services at this time.  We will have a Celebration of Life with friends and family at a later date.  He will be greatly missed by many; we all loved him so much.