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1937
2013
Michael J. "Joe" O'Shea, native of Ballynacally, as born September 27, 1937, in Ireland, to Patrick and Agnes (nee O'Neill) O'Shea, passed away Monday December 9, 2013. Joe is the beloved husband of Mary; loving father of Michael, Daniel (CPD) (Michelle), Colleen, and Sean, (Esquire); cherished Papa of Declan and Delaney; dear brother of Vincent, Daniel, Bridget Beakey, Irene, Lela, Mary, the late Teresa and Kitty; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Joe was a dedicated father, husband and grandfather, instilling his proud Irish heritage in his family in both music and Irish dancing. Born in County Clare, he learned and loved to play the accordion, brought his music and dance traditions to America upon his arrival in 1959, and he loved to golf. His love of Irish music helped ensure its continued teachings throughout Chicago and the United States. He played his beloved accordion at the last St. Patrick's Day in the White House for President Bill and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2000. Joe was a member of St. Bede the Venerable Church, past President of the Claremen's Association, past President of the Irish Musicians Association and spent 41 years as a member of Local #399 Operating Engineers. Funeral Saturday 8:45 a.m. from Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn to St. Bede the Venerable Church, 8200 S. Kostner Ave, Chicago, Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Visitation Friday from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
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December 18, 2013
Diana Gray
Dear O'Shea Family,
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was always happy & a joy to be around. May your memories bring you peace during this difficult time. Sorry we did not know sooner as we would have attended the service. Prayers to all of you.
Diana & David Gray
December 16, 2013
Kathleen Heneghan
I extend my sincere condolences to the entire O'Shea family. The last time I saw Mr. O'Shea was several years back. I happened to make it to The Abbey for a Sunday night session. Although I play infrequently these days & my fingers are a bit rusty, he remembered me before I could even place him. (Usually it's the kid remembering their friend's parent & not the other way around!) We had a great talk about all of those childhood band & album practices with such talented musicians. I was reminded of what a kind and gracious man he was. Kids tend to make note of the grownups who give them the time of day & treat them with respect, regardless of age. I know Mom & Bill were able to make the wake, and I apologize that I was unable to attend. Please accept my prayers for all of you in such a sudden and tragic loss. He was a class act!
December 15, 2013
So sorry to hear about Mike, I just saw him in October, worked together with Mike since l977 at Roseland P.S. I will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary and the kids. Sincerely Jon Amendola White Pigeon Michigan
December 14, 2013
John Wuchko
Love and Prayres to the O Shea Family during this time of passing. I am so grateful I finally had the privilege of seeing Uncle Joe and Micheal play. Thank you Joe for all your kind encouraging words over the years, and thanks for the music. May the peace of the Lord be with all of you now.
December 14, 2013
Jim & Judy Depa
Dear Mary and Family:
We are very sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.
December 14, 2013
Michael (and Faith) McNicholas
Aunt Mary Agnes, Michael, Danny, Colleen and Sean, please accept our deepest sympathy at Uncle Joe's passing. He was a great man, a kind man, a talented man and a loving man. We regret we could not extend our condolences in person. May God bless Joe and may God bless all of you.
December 13, 2013
Sy Hickey
Mike and the rest of the O'Shea Family. Very sorry for your loss of your father. My he rest in peace.
December 13, 2013
Sean,
My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May God continue to bless and strengthen you and your family.
Shawn McClairn (Governor's Office)
December 13, 2013
Louis Apostol
Mary O'Shea and Family. Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences on the recent passing of your husband Michael. May he rest in pease and may his memory be forever eternal.
December 13, 2013
Eamonn Fagan
We are so shocked by Joe's very sudden passing on Monday its hard to believe,we will miss his musical visits to Cavan and also I always looked forward to his company on my visits to Chicago as he was part of my holiday.
Our thoughts and prayers are for Sister Mary Agnes,Michael,Danny Michele and family, Colleen and Sean also all the O'Shea family.
Eamonn and Maureen, Orla, Tara, Leanne and all our families in Cavan
December 13, 2013
Aaron Cunningham
I extend deepest condolences to the O'Shea family.
December 13, 2013
Mrs O'shea, Michael, danny, colleen, and sean. My deepest sympathies withy the loss of Your father! He was a great man, husband and father! He will truly be missed! I have so many great memories of him from all of the feis's when we were kids. From all the many road trips, and shenanigans we pulled off when we were younger, he was always a man I looked up to! I'm sure my father and he are "tipping a few" and showing the others from Irish dancing that passed before them, how Irish music, and Irish dancing should be done properly! God bless! He will forever be in my prayers! RIP Mr Oshea
December 13, 2013
Dear Dan, Michele, Declan and Delaney, I was so sorry to hear the very sad news about your dad, father-in-law, grandfather. He sounds like such a very special person. I hope you each hold special memories forever in your hearts. I'm sure all of you made him very proud. Hopefully everyone up in heaven will be in for a treat of Irish music. Hugs and much love to all of you. Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do. XO, Chryssa and Melissa
December 13, 2013
Terry Shields
Danny (Michele) and family,
My deepest sympothies for the loss of your father. My thoughts are with all of you for your loss.
Terry SHIELDS (C.P.D.)
December 13, 2013
Mary Lacey
Our thoughts and prayers with the O'Shea family.
December 12, 2013
Erwin Acox
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. May God bless you all.
December 12, 2013
Declan & Delaney O'Shea
Dear Papa,
We are gonna miss you so much! We will give Grandma lots of hugs and kisses for you!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
December 12, 2013
Dave Kalsch
Irene, I didn't know Michael well, but had met him a few times. He was always kind and friendly. I am sure you are going to miss him, a true gentleman, and great brother. My condolences go out to the entire O'Shea family. May God Bless.
December 12, 2013
Colleen Chinlund
Mary, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time. Warmest Regards
December 12, 2013
McElligott Family (Michael) co Kerry
The world will never be the same without you and the gift of music you graced us with . There's an old Irish saying ... You will never see the likes of him again ... And that's true on in a million until we meet again my dear friend !!!
December 12, 2013
Irene O'Shea
Joe, I'll always miss you.
Love, Irene
December 12, 2013
Joe, I'll always miss you.
Love, Irene
December 12, 2013
bruce johnson
many condolences to the family of a great guy,First met Joe in 1959 at Kittys house at 74th and morgan and he just got off the plane that afternoon and he was playing the squeeze box and Leila said this is my brother from Ireland,so sorry Leila and you will understand why we can not make the wake with Louises condition,if you do get in please let us know and we will be happy to see you and stay a day or two as that would cheer Louise immensely.again condolenes to all .Bruce and Louise Johnson and family.
December 12, 2013
Oliver O'Connell
My Special friend Joe. You and your extraordinary family are always in my thoughts especially tonight. May you now reap your just rewards for being a loving husband and father and an exceptional friend. Co Clare has lost a special son. Rest in Peace my friend and thank you for the friendship and the music.
Oliver O'Connell and family.
December 12, 2013
Dear Mary & family, I truly am so sorry for your loss. He always spoke so highly of his family. I was so lucky to be able to take care of Mike wiht his hearing needs.
Sincerely,
Donna Smetko (Avada Hearing)
December 12, 2013
Al Piantkowski
O'Shea Family,
God has called upon 'Joe' to grace the heavens with his presence and music.
May He welcome him into His open and loving arms.
December 12, 2013
Tressia & Jason Permoda
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 12, 2013
Thomas Kenny
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, I had the opportunity to work with Mike at Roseland Pumping Station, I could not have asked for a better boss and a great friend, he will be truly missed. Tom Kenny
December 12, 2013
Dear Mary Agnes and Family: Our deepest sympathy on the sudden death of your beloved Joe, he will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Joe.
Tom & Chris Walsh
Orland Park
December 11, 2013
Richie Piggott
Joe,
You will be sadly missed by all of your friends of Irish Music in Chicago.....your participation at the Lanigan's session every Sun night was wonderful as was your continued support / contribution to the Chicago IMA.
May you play on forever in the stars.....
Sincerely,
December 11, 2013
Yes, a Gentleman. Met him in The Blarney Stone, 63rd St. A great follower of St.Brendans G.A.A. team when I played with them. Godbless, from J.J.Costello, Claremorris, Co. Mayo..
December 11, 2013
~ ~ Fr. Dan Brandt, CPD Chaplain
Heartfelt and prayerful condolences from the Chicago Police Chaplains. Joe will be remembered at the Police Mass on Sunday, 22 DEC, 11:00 a.m., at Mercy Home - 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. In the meantime, may family and friends know the healing touch of our all-loving, all-merciful God! [Police Chaplains Ministry: www.ChicagoPCM.org or 312/738-7588]
December 11, 2013
Patrick Cannady
To Mary, Mike, Danny Michelle, Sean, Colleen, Declan, and Delaney; to Joe's large and loving extended family; and to all of his many, many grieving friends around Chicago and all over the world: our most heartfelt condolences. We were so lucky to know him, to have learned so much from him, and to have shared so much music and laughter with him. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you in this difficult time.
December 11, 2013
Jake Schumacher
Joe always had a smile and a handshake and a kind word for me whenever I saw him, and his love and enthusiasm for the music were always evident. This is a great loss to us all. My thoughts are with your family.
December 11, 2013
Carmen Carter
I'm so sorry for your loss i will continue to have the family in my prayer.
December 10, 2013
Ethan James
I have many fond memories of playing music and talking with Joe over the years, at innumerable sessions and festivals. He was a true gentleman, and I am so sincerely sorry to hear of his passing.
December 10, 2013
David James
Mary my heart is broken for you and all your family. Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann! In memory of so many good tunes and times . . .
December 10, 2013
John Sheehan
We have lost another Chicago Irish Musician to the session in heaven. He was a mentor to all of us, a great friend and true gentleman. John, Mary, Nora, Martin and Bridget Sheehan
December 10, 2013
Joe, R.I.P. Thank you for sharing your love and gift of music not only with us but with God's "Special People", we will miss you.
Maureen Halpin
December 10, 2013
Joe,I will miss your voice when you would call and tell me how good-looking I was when I answered. May your new journey be more blessed and joyful than your earthly one was. Peace and Love
Leila
December 10, 2013
Marie La Joie
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
December 10, 2013
Jerome Colburn
Joe,
Thank you for keeping alive and flourishing the bit of Clare you brought to the South Side, stalwartly playing the grand old tunes and making us all welcome. Now that you have gone where we shall all go, may we find you playing with that same joy the unimaginable music of eternity. (Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.)
December 10, 2013
Kimberly Pisterzi
Joe, it was an honor to have played session with a great player and nice guy.
December 10, 2013
Matt Trant
Sean, your Dad was one in a million...he will be sorely missed...sincerest condolences and love to you and your family...
December 10, 2013
Dan Curtin
Joe, Thanks for all the sessions together, and the tips on playing the accordion. Go with God.
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Dec
13
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
Dec
14
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Blake Lamb Funeral Home - Oak Lawn4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
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