Obituary of John F O'Shea

John F. O’Shea, a retired Boston Edison employee, passed away after a short illness on Sunday, February 23, 2020. He was 83 years old. John was born in Cambridge, the son of John J. and Helen O’Shea. He grew up in Arlington and graduated from Arlington High School. When he was just 17 years old, John enlisted in the Navy and served during the Korean War. He earned the rank of Airman First Class, as a member of the 450th Air Base Group at Foster Air Force Base in Texas. This was the home of the 450th Fighter Bomber Wing. John served for over 3 years, half of which was spent overseas. He was discharged in December 1957. After his military service, John was fortunate to get a position at Boston Edison. He started at the lowest level, sweeping floors, and working his way up to be a Cable Splicer (which requires working with underground electrical). His work sites included the Burlington Mall, New England Executive Park, and throughout Boston. He joked that being underground had drawbacks such as water, dampness, confinement, and critters. He saw the benefits of always being warm in the winter and cool in the summer especially compared to the lineman who were climbing up the poles. He loved the comradery, bantering, and the independence of the job. John considered himself fortunate to spend his entire career with Boston Edison and able to retire at age 58. In his later years, he joked that he had been retired almost as long as he had worked. John, was 100% Irishman, met his wife, Leah, at a dance at the Lithuanian Club in North Cambridge. They married in 1961 and quickly started a family. The lived in Somerville and Medford, before buying their forever home in Burlington in 1972. They raised 7 children. When his family was young, summer vacations were spent at Newfound Lake in New Hampshire. When the kids were on their own, John and Leah traveled all over the United States. Because they only traveled by automobile, some of their trips could last up to 6 weeks. John enjoyed testing his luck at the horse track and casino with his daughters. He loved to walk whether it was at the Burlington Mall in the winter, on the beach, around his hometown of Arlington, or many other interesting destinations. In his later years, he and his dear friend, Arlene O’Brien, would enjoyed an (OCCASIONAL?) Sunday, driving to Kennebunkport, going to church, chatting with their friend, Fr. Andrew Bisson going out for lunch, then driving back home. John loved people and he loved to talk. He could talk about anything and had a endless array of funny sayings; “All bought and paid for”, He could be extremely funny and keep you on your toes with his sharp wit. He was blessed to have good health until just recently. John was able to live his life supporting his family, enjoying time spent with family and friends, and loving all those whom he held close. John was the beloved husband of the late Leah (Gurskis). Loving father of John F. Jr. & his wife JoAnn of Methuen, Michael & his wife Laura of Jacksonville, FL, Jeremiah & his wife Andria of Billerica, Helenmarie Galvin & her husband Kevin of Burlington, Cheryl Johnson & her husband Michael of Billerica, Joseph & his companion Elizabeth Lang of Lowell and James of Burlington. Proud grandfather of Brendan, Megan, Aislynn, Michael, Sean, Zachary, & Kaitlyn O’Shea, Lauren Pevey, Michaela, Christionia, Leah & Katherine Galvin and Nicole & Brian Johnson. Great grandfather of Graysen Pevey. Brother of the late James, Jeremiah & Joseph. Special friend of Arlene O’Brien of Billerica. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Friday, February 28 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral from the Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Burial to following in Pine Haven Cemetery, BURLINGTON.