SIDNEY - Dr. Brian Shea, loving husband, proud father, dedicated cardiologist, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025.
Brian was born to the late Anna and Donald Shea on March 21, 1956, in Orlando, Fla. He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1974, where he began lifelong friendships playing football and pond hockey. He went on to attend the University of New Hampshire, earning a degree in Physical Education in 1978. Brian's love of learning and natural curiosity carried his academics from New Hampshire to Michigan, to Philadelphia -- which held a special place in his heart -- and London before ultimately leading him to Dartmouth Medical School, where he earned his medical degree in 1989.
Brian's love for cardiology and his dedication to his patients were unwavering throughout his 36-year career. He poured his heart into every patient he treated, never taking for granted the privilege of caring for others. Even on days off and vacations, he could often be found with a cup of coffee in hand, reading the latest medical journals to stay at the forefront of his field. Brian was especially thrilled to have recently begun a new role at Redington Fairview General Hospital. Whenever Brian's colleagues spoke of him, one theme always stood out: his interactions with patients. His compassion, sincerity, and graciousness left a lasting impression, inspiring everyone around him.
Family was the center of Brian's world. He adored his children, cherished his friendships, and deeply loved his wife, Terry, whom he married on Sept. 23, 2023, after 10 beautiful years together. He was overjoyed to become a grandfather, "Poppy," in January, a role that filled him with immense pride. Some of his fondest memories were made while traveling with family: ski trips to Colorado, beach vacations, adventures in New York City and Montreal, visiting friends in England, and time with loved ones in Virginia and D.C. Outside of family life, Brian was an avid cyclist who loved his daily rides through the back roads of Maine, and a talented hockey player who relished the challenge of keeping up with younger teammates in his men's league well into his 60s. Brian also had a love for animals, and some of his happiest winter days were spent skating laps on the backyard pond while his dog, Sofie, chased after him.
Brian faced chronic illness for many years with optimism and strength, and his resilience was both admired and deeply inspiring to others on similar journeys. He was profoundly grateful to his clinicians at Lahey Clinic for their dedication and care over the last three decades, and to the organ donors and their families who gave the ultimate gift of life when he received two life-saving liver transplants in 1991. His family will forever cherish the 34 additional years they were given with him because of organ donation.
Brian is survived by his wife, Terry Shea; his three children, Brian, Tessa, and Leanna Shea; his grandson, Finn Russell; his nieces and nephew, Clara (Shea) Totten, Ellie (Shea) Lanigan, and Maxfield Shea; and his beloved dog, Sofie.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Veilleux Redington Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, located at 8 Elm St., in Waterville. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m. at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, Brian's family asks for those whose health allows to consider registering to become an organ donor at http://www.donatelife.net. For those who wish to make a charitable contribution in his honor, donations to the Waterville Humane Society (www.hswa.org) would be a meaningful way to celebrate his love for animals
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