Obituary of George C. Shea

George C. Shea, 84, of Binghamton, N.Y. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, surrounded by family. Born June 18, 1941 in Binghamton, George was the son of the late James and Dorothy Shea. He proudly served in the U.S. Army and later earned a degree from the University at Albany. George dedicated 35 years teaching business at Owego Free Academy, where he made connections with students that lasted years after they left the classroom, followed by a stint as an adjunct professor at Broome Community College. George ran for Binghamton City Council in the Fourth District in 1978, becoming the only politician to take pride in earning twenty percent of the vote. He could regularly be found walking around Recreation Park, enjoying breakfast at Danny's Diner, or seated for a friendly game of poker with friends. George was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys, the latter of whom earned a 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in the final NFL game of his lifetime. George was predeceased by his brother Jim Shea, sister-in-law Rosemary Shea, brother-in-law Victor Crescente and his cat Cookie Dough. He is survived by his six children: Kathleen Shea, Ginny (Rich) Leadbeater, Ken (Mary) Shea, Larry Shea, Michael Shea (Heather Miner) and Paul Shea (Jamie Drake); six grandchildren: Collin (Caitlin) Leadbeater, Nicole Leadbeater, Kyle (Bethany) Shea, Sammy Shea, Ellen Shea and Isla Shea; two great-grandchildren: Carson Leadbeater and Callahan Leadbeater; his sisters, Patricia Shea and Nancy Crescente and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him deeply. The family would like to extend its appreciation to Good Shepherd Fairview Home and Mercy House for the wonderful care they provided George in the final years of his life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 N. McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760 in George's name. Funeral Services will be held at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Monday December 1, 2025 at 12 noon. Rev. Msgr. John P. Putano will officiate. The family will receive friends at the McCormack Funeral Home, Monday December 1, 2025 from 11 a.m. until 12 noon.