Archief - Rev. Leo Giles Shea fonds

Leo Giles Shea (1931-1970), Catholic priest and community activist, was born at Pouch Cove, Newfoundland, on 6 November 1931, son of Alice (Constantine) and John Shea. Shea died suddenly at Torbay Airport, St. John's on 16 May 1970, while en route to New York to consult with a heart specialist. He is buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery at Pouch Cove.

Shea completed his primary education at St. Agnes Parish School, (Pouch Cove), his elementary education at the Presentation Convent School (Witless Bay), and his high school education at St. Bonaventure's College, St. John's. He entered All Hallows College, Dublin, Ireland in 1951 where he pursued his studies for the priesthood (1951-57). Shea was ordained a priest on 15 June 1957 in the Cathedral-Basilica of St. John the Baptist, St. John's, Newfoundland, by Patrick J. Skinner, Archbishop of St. John's. Following ordination Rev. Shea served as curate and later temporary Administrator in Holy Apostles Parish, Renews, (1957-58); temporary Assistant, St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, St. Lawrence (January 1960); St. Patrick's Parish, St. John's (1960); St. Joseph's Parish, St. Joseph's, St. Mary's Bay, (1960-62); and the Cathedral Basilica Parish of St. John the Baptist, St. John's (1962-63).

In June 1966 Rev. Shea was named Administrator of St. John Bosco Parish, Shea Heights; on 31 January 1968 he was appointed parish priest. During his years at St. John Bosco Parish he immersed himself in political activism. He started the Blackhead Road Urban Renewal Scheme, a "program to improve the religious, social, cultural academic and physical development of the Blackhead Road and its people."

In 1969, Father Shea was chosen St. John's Citizen of the Year by the Jaycees, primarily for his work for all who resided within the boundaries of St. John Bosco Parish.