$35K Raised as Phoenixville Man, Father of 3, Passes Suddenly

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- Phoenixville's John Shea was only 40 when he passed away suddenly last week from a stroke. He left behind a wife and three children, aged 8, 6, and 4.

Within just days of his death, however, the community has rallied around him, as 263 donors had raised $35,795 for his family as of Friday morning.

"We want to help ease the significant financial burden that has now been placed on Jen and the family," writes fundraiser organizer, Kevin Bentley. "Please consider donating what you can and sharing John's story with your friends and loved ones. We thank you with all our hearts."

To learn more about the fundraiser and to donate, please see the Youcaring page here.

His obituary, courtesy of Devlin Rosmos Kepp Gatcha Funeral Home, is included below:

John Paul Shea, 40, husband of Jennifer Anne (Ciglar) Shea, of Phoenixville, PA, died suddenly on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 in Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, after suffering a stroke.

Born on December 5, 1976, in Plains, Luzerne County, PA, he is the son of Joseph and Kathleen (Dessoye) Shea of Plains, PA.

John was a graduate of Coughlin High School class of 1995.

He earned his Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Scranton.

He worked as a Physical Therapist for In Motion Physical Therapy in Downingtown, PA.

He was a member of St. Basil The Great Catholic Church in Kimberton, PA.

He was an extremely dedicated coach for the Phuture Phantoms Football Organization where he coached both flag and tackle football, as well as the Kimberton Youth Athletic League where he coached t-ball.

He was a passionate Philadelphia sports fan. He loved mountain biking, as well as camping and hiking adventures with his family.

John's biggest loves are his wife and children. He was happiest spending time with them, and he spent his short 40 years on earth living every day to the fullest.

Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are,
son, J. R. Shea, 8 years old
son, Jack Shea, 6 years old
daughter, Chloe Shea, 4 years old

brother, Joe Shea and wife Patty of Spring City, PA,
sister, Tricia Sharkey of Drums, PA,

8 nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass in St. Basil The Great Catholic Church, 2340 Kimberton Road, Phoenixville, PA, on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 11:00 am.

Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Phoenixville, PA.

A viewing will be held in the Devlin Rosmos Kepp & Gatcha Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 517 S. Main Street at Fourth Avenue, Phoenixville, PA, on Monday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and in church on Tuesday morning from 9:30 am to 10:45 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shea Children's Fund, c/o Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust, 120 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460.

Image courtesy funeral home