John J. (Jack) Shea – 10/4/1942 to 8/29/2022 – 79 years old.

Jack, the Lion of Labor, left this world as a fighter to the end, just like he lived his life fighting for all his union brothers and sisters.  Jack's journey from a young union organizer as a machinist to the face of the area's unions as head of the Allegheny County Labor Council was filled with ups and downs and wins and losses. Still, it never included the words "I give up." There was always another day to fight for the rights of workers.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1942, the son of a fireman Thomas P. Shea, Jack and his brother Tom were raised by their single mother, Catherine, for many years after his father passed when he was two years old.  Jack always spoke of the toughness he got from watching his hard-working single mother when he was young and how she battled for her life against cancer when he was a young man starting his career.  Jack's career took him from humble machinist to Union Organizer. As a young man, he volunteered his own time to assist in organizing the unorganized. Jack's progression was built on drive, hard work, great mentors like Marge Wonderling and Paul Stackhouse, and being one himself. When asked to join the IUE International for the next ten years, he worked throughout the United States, servicing the already established IUE locals and organizing new Locals up and down the East Coast. He was appointed Director of District 1 for the IUE before being appointed Assistant Organizing Director for the International Union.

In 1998, Jack was elected President of the Allegheny County Labor Council and President Emeritus in 2017.  After 50 years in the Labor Movement, he became more than a Labor leader and organizer. Jack was a gentle giant filled with compassion and the utmost respect for women and men everywhere. He was the Lion of Labor. Along the way, Jack created many friendships that have lasted a lifetime. He always held a special place in his heart for the working poor, the single parents, and the blue-collar workers that shaped this country. They formed the foundation of his cause to help all workers achieve a living wage and foster the middle class.

Jack received many accolades over the years. He was ACDC "Democrat of the Year," Vector's "Man of the Year, MDA "Champion of the Spirit," Donnybrook "Labor Leader," March of Dimes "Man of the Year," Westmoreland CLC "Man of the Year," COPE Award as "Labor's Honoree," and many others.

You undoubtedly know his name if you were involved in the organized Labor Movement on the East Coast over the past 50+ years. During his career, he fought for workers' rights at Eastern Airlines in Florida, Verizon workers' rights in Allegheny County, and just about everywhere in between.  He was so passionate about Labor that even his arrest on the picket line would not deter him. You will never meet a more dedicated person to the working woman and man, nor will you meet a man more devoted to his family. Nothing could make Pap smile wider than a visit or facetime with his great-grandchildren. Jack believed in "Family First." If you have no family, you have nothing.  Jack was an avid Pittsburgh fan, rooting for the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. He most enjoyed going to Steeler games with family and friends in his younger years and watching on TV as he got older.

Jack's service to Labor for over 50 years was like an extension of his family. Jack's honesty and integrity helped lead to his many successes for the labor movement and the respect of business management.  Along the way, Jack met Presidents, Vice-Presidents, Governors, Senators and Congressman, and community leaders. You might say Jack's other family was politics. A lifelong Democrat, Jack worked hard to align Labor's allegiance to candidates who could help foster the Labor cause.

Remember what he did for all working people by opening doors, providing a recommendation, giving second chances, helping secure jobs, or stumping for elections. Please honor him by paying this forward, giving someone a chance, or fighting for a cause.  Many who pass are often forgotten, but Jack's legacy cannot be forgotten. The world is a better place because of him. He will be dearly missed.

Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol (Schoderbek), His brother Tom (Betty), Daughter Shelly (Bill Schafer), Son John (Lorna), Grandsons Bill Adamson (Alissa), Ryan Shea, Vincent Shea, Patrick Schafer (Catherine), Max and Layne Baker and great-grandchildren Drake, Akasha, Jack, Liam, Hadley, and Madison.

For those who would like to attend, friends will be received at Eloise B. Kyper Funeral Home, Inc. 2702 Mt. Royal. Glenshaw, PA., on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. and Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 4-8p.m . The Funeral Service and Entombment will be held privately with family and friends.

Please click below to view his Tributes published by The Pittsburgh Post Gazette and the Tribune.

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2022/08/29/longtime-labor-leader-jack-shea-dies/stories/202208290087

https://triblive.com/news/obituaries/pittsburgh-union-leader-jack-shea-remembered-as-a-giant-in-labor-movement/