Richard J. "Rick" Shay Print

Richard J. "Rick" Shay

 

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, in law and friend;


 
Richard J. "Rick" Shay, age 66, of Dracut, formerly of Lowell, died Friday morning at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill surrounded by his loving family.
 
He was the beloved husband of Virginia M. "Ginnie" (Demers) Shay with whom he recently celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary.
 
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, March 8. 1949, the son of the late Joseph M. and the late Florence M. (Harris) Shay, he attended Lowell schools and was a graduate of Lowell High School in the Class of 1967.
 
A veteran of the Vietnam War, Rick was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps.
 
In his younger years, Rick fought in the Greater Lowell Golden Gloves and later became a loyal fan and a season ticket holder.
 
Prior to his retirement, Rick worked for the City of Lowell at the Department of Public Works with the Street Department as a laborer for over 40 years.
 
An avid sports fan, he especially liked following the New York Mets and the Denver Broncos. Rick also enjoyed bowling, antique car shows and vacationing in Las Vegas.
 
Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter Jennifer Delossantos and her husband Marvin and two grandchildren Sophia and Ava Grace Delossantos all of Copiaque, Long Island, NY; a sister Kathleen Simon of Dracut; a brother David M. Shay and his wife Maria of Lowell; three sisters in law Andrea DeAngelis and her husband Michael of Lowell, Mary Doster and her husband Jim of Tyngsboro and Ruth Demers and her partner Fiona MacDonald of Tewksbury; five brothers in law Andrew Demers and his wife Marlene of FL, Phillip Demers and his wife Jane of Dracut, Fred Demers and his wife Donna, Bob Demers and his husband Juan Alvarez of Tewksbury and Jimmy Demers and his wife Tammy of Lowell; many nieces and nephews.
 
 He was also the brother of the late Joseph M. Shay, Jr., uncle of the late Erika M. Shay and son in law of the late Andrew M. Demers and Virginia E. (Morris) Demers.

 Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P.M. Monday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Tuesday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH in Lowell at 10 o'clock. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North St., Haverhill, MA.  Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768. 
 

Condolences (10)
  • Lorraine Crosby  - Thinking of you
    Ginnie, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
  • David Maine  - Long time friend
    I'm so sorry to hear about Rick, I have known him for more than fifty years. He was a great guy, always had a smile. I saw him not to long ago and asked why I didn't see him at the Golden Gloves last season and now I am shocked to read that he has passed. Rest in Peace Marine, Semper Fi
  • Barbara and Chris Smith
    Hi Ginny, we were so sorry to hear of Rick's passing. We're sending our prayers and love and wishing you strength through the tough times ahead. Love, Barbara and Chris
  • Gail dailey
    Ginnie so sorry hear about your husband
  • Rick & Charlie Keough
    Our sincere condolences to Ricky's entire family. Ginnie, Rick and I were so sorry to see that Rick had passed. Though we hadn't seen him for a while we still thought of him often. He was always someone that I was glad to see. He was a funny guy and always made me laugh. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Rick & Charlie
  • Bruce Brewster  - Friend Forever
    Ginnie so sorry for ur loss of ur devoted husband and best friend Rick. As u know i have a lot of Great memories that i will never forget with Rick and Dave Mills I will miss them dearley.
  • Debbie Kennedy  - I love you to the moon and back
    My dear friend Jennifer To say I'm sorry isn't enough There are no words... Other than I'm here for you And I love you Xoxoxoxoxo Stay strong my friend
  • Lynn Walsh
    Ginnie, There are no words that I can find that would adequately express how sorry I am for the loss of your beloved Rick. You two certainly were made for each other. Whenever I think of Rick,I will always remember our countless phone calls over the years and Rick just shouting out to you,"it's her."My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Love Lynn
  • Stacie Perillo  - Richard Shay
    Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences at this most difficult of times and please pass these feelings onto your family. My thought and prayers are with you and your family.
  • Kathy harris  - I will remember you
    My condolences go out to Ricky's family I will remember ricky as a fun loving Cosin & friend.God Speed Rickashay will miss you ...Love cousin Kathy ♡
Write Condolence
Your Name:
Condolence:
Security
Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.