J. Donald Shea passed away peacefully at the Life Care Center in Stoneham on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the age of 83. Donald was born in Boston on August 2, 1926 to the late James P. & Mary (Leary) Shea. He was raised in Dorchester, graduated from Dorchester High School and then entered the US Navy. Donald proudly served his country during WWII as a Seaman 1st class. He served from 1944 to 1946 in the Pacific Theater and then in the reserves until 1954. After his discharge, Mr. Shea graduated from Suffolk University in Boston where he played hockey & baseball. Don also played baseball in Canada with the Dodgers farm team for a few years. Mr. Shea moved his family to California for 6 years before settling in Melrose and has been a longtime resident. Donald worked as the East Coast & Canadian Regional Manager for the Western Gold & Platinum Company for over 35 years. He was a dedicated husband & father who loved to spend time with his family. Mr. Shea was an avid Boston sports fan. Devoted husband of Valerie M. (Edgar) Shea with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Loving father of Judith Flynn & her husband Joseph of Melrose, Sandra Bednowitz & her husband Alan of Melrose, Joanne Morton & her husband John of Duxbury and the late James D. Shea & his wife Wendy of Providence, RI. Cherished grandfather of Sarah & Jason, Hannah, William & Chatham, Zachary & Olivia. Brother of the late John & Paul Shea. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Friday, Jan 15th at 9AM. A Funeral Mass in Don's honor will be celebrated at St. Mary's Church, Herbert St. Melrose, at 10AM. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Thurs. 4-8PM. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery in W. Roxbury.