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* Statehouse legend Jerry Shea has passed away. The former Illinois House Majority Leader and longtime lobbyist has been ill for some time.
The wake will be Monday afternoon and services will be held Tuesday morning. I’ll pass along details when I get them.
On a personal level, Jerry was always a decent gentleman to me. He took the time to talk with me even in the days when few would. He was also a walking Illinois politics encyclopedia. I learned something every time I spoke with him and will be forever grateful.
* From a 1976 Illinois Issues profile…
When he entered public life 18 years ago, Gerald Shea was, in his own words, “a brash young guy who wanted one of the best jobs in the Cook County Democratic organization.” Now, near the close of an eventful 10-year legislative career, his accomplishments and close relationship with Mayor Richard J. Daley have earned him the title of “Mr. Powerful” among State House observers.
A “temporary” high school dropout, Shea became a garbage collector in his hometown of Oak Park after his father, a printer for the Chicago Tribune was involved in a lengthy strike. He later pumped gas, tended bar and had a variety of other jobs to help subsidize his economics and finance degree from the University of Illinois and diploma from DePaul Law School. Two years of Army service interrupted his education.
Shea’s political career began in 1958. After failing to receive the recommendation of Oak Park Committeeman John S. Boyle for a deputy sheriff slot in the village courthouse, Shea did get his sponsorship for a caseworker position in the Cook County Department of Public Aid. He kept that job for a year and later became a department investigator and worked in its legal office. Boyle, who was then chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court, was impressed by Shea’s drive and talents. This led to subsequent jobs as an assistant state’s attorney, Boyle’s administrative assistant, and director of research, planning and development for the circuit court. He was elected to the House from the 7th legislative district in 1966. He quickly assumed an informal leadership position by lobbying for Boyle’s legislative programs in the 1965-66 session.
His first formal leadership role emerged during the 1971-72 and 1973-74 sessions when he was an assistant to then Minority Leader Clyde Choate of Anna. Shea has never left the spotlight during the last six years, leading his party both during its majority and minority days.
Like most of Daley’s other confidants, Shea is Irish, a Catholic, a graduate of the mayor’s alma mater (DePaul) and has powerful political sponsorship. He differs from the others primarily in the use of quiet clout in place of partisan backslapping to see that the party’s needs are met. His suburban Riverside residence and marriage to the niece of a Republican representative (Joseph G. Sevcik, Berwyn) from the same district also make him somewhat unique in. the Daley organizational structure.
Now, at 44, Shea looks forward to a retirement, which will afford him more time to be with his wife, Joanne, and daughter, Courtney Claire; pursue his law practice; read more than his usual three novels per week; “tinker with cars,” and complete a thesis. When he finishes his thesis, he is expected to receive a master’s degree in taxes from John Marshall Law School, Chicago.
*** UPDATE *** Arrangements from his family…
Wake: Monday 4-9, Adolf Funeral Home, Willowbrook
Mass: Tuesday 9:45 am, St. John of the Cross, Western Springs
Also, in lieu of flowers, please donate to The Gerald W and Joanne S Shea Scholarship Fund at DePaul University Law School.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:07 pm
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“Now, at 44, Shea looks forward to a retirement”
Now nearly 40 years later Gerry puts a wrap on a career that also touched places like the U of I board.
Even though his health had been failing him, some at Frank Mautino’s swearing in Monday would not have been surprised to see him in Ottawa.
Great source of advice and wonderful stories
Prayers for peace and strength to Courtney and others in the family.
Comment by Steve Brown Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:18 pm
Jerry was always a character. Always enjoyed talking to him.
RIP
Comment by Norseman Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:19 pm
Jerry was a great mentor for other generations of statehouse types like me. I will miss his charm wit and institutional memory
Comment by Matt jobes Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:26 pm
Interesting to see the context of the times, John Boyle was a judge and a committeeman (he was also a former Chicago alderman and a one time Cook County State’s attorney — not sure when he moved to suburban Oak Park from Chicago). Today, judges and states attorneys are not permitted to serve as committeemen.
Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:43 pm
Worked with and against Jerry on a multitude of issues over the years. Always a gentleman and someone willing to to discuss and explain how and why things really worked, not necessarily how they should work. Considered him a friend I can only hope he consider me in the same light.
Comment by Madame Defarge Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:45 pm
I’m forever grateful to “Representative Shea,” as I always called him, for the time he gladly took to educate a rookie reporter about state government, both the policy details and the political realities. May he rest in peace.
Charlie Wheeler
Comment by Charlie Wheeler Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 1:59 pm
Remember washing his car, a Jag, many years ago and giving it a good air drying down Chatham Road. Sorry Jerry. R.I.P…
Comment by Mouthy Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 2:01 pm
Sad to see one of the true veterans of Springfield pass away. Well respected and liked. Condolences to his family.
Comment by Stones Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 2:11 pm
Just a classy guy. He always made time to help out those of us coming up the ranks. His solid advice saved me a lot of headaches along the way. He will be missed!
Comment by Raising Kane Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 2:18 pm
great guy, funny and smart. amazing stories and he always good advice and was willing to share and teach..RIP Jerry
Comment by Dozer Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 2:24 pm
Yep, a wonderful guy. One of the smartest guys in the business. In our world, a true legend.
Comment by Beenthereseenthat Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 2:28 pm
Happened to be with Jerry and four others at a restaurant when I found out it was his birthday. Secretly I ordered him a birthday cake. The restaurant came out with a huge whipped cream cake on a cake platter and 5 serving plates. Jerry ate the entire whipped cream cake while the 4 of us roared in laughter!! RIP Mr. Chairman.
Comment by Bob Vickrey Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 2:38 pm
So sorry to hear of his passing. A very dear friend for many years. He could process information from A to Z before most people could get from A to B. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Comment by Out of state retiree Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 3:29 pm
He was are lobbyist when I first stated coming to Springfield. Great to go out and have a drink with and listen to the stories. Except I’m pretty sure I wasn’t getting the full gist if you get my gist. Lol
Will be missed.
Comment by Been There Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 3:38 pm
Wednesday night dinners at Fritz’s Wagon Wheel –Jerry, Dick Mautino and Ted Leverenz
Comment by Remembering... Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 4:07 pm
A very intelligent guy who knew the parliamentarian rules inside and out. A power broker who worked with both sides of the aisle to get things done. He is legendary and is already missed.
Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 4:54 pm