Obituary of Thomas W. O'Shea

Thomas William O'Shea passed away Sunday March 23, 2014 in Niagara Hospice House, Lockport. Born in Binghamton, NY on October 4, 1938, he was the son of the late William P. and Regina Grace O'Shea. Tom graduated in 1963 with a B.S. SUNY Fredonia, 1968 with a M.S. SUNY Fredonia. In 1969, he received his NYS Administrative Certificate. He worked from 1963 until 1972 as a 4th grade teacher at Owego-Apalachin School District, Owego, NY, 1972-1975 as the Elementary School Principal in the Northern Tioga School District, Elkland, PA. In 1975 he worked as Elementary School Principal Lockport City School District, retiring in 1999. Tom was dedicated leader in education and an avid volunteer in many local organizations, including, the Lockport City Fire Board, as a Commissioner and Past President. He was a member of the Lockport Kiwanis Club as a Current Board of Directors member and Past President, earning Kiwanian of the year in 2005, the A.O.H., Scholarship Committee Chairman 2005-present. Tom received the Hibernian of the Year in 2008. He also served on the Niagara County Board of Ethics, 2005-present, the Orleans-Niagara-Erie Co. Challenger Learning Center Board of Directors 2006-present, St. John the Baptist R.C. Church, Lockport, as a Usher, the Optimist Club, 1988-present, the Elks Club, 1965-present, the Lockport Civil Service Commissioner 2000-2004, the Democratic Committee, City of Lockport, 1988-2011 and as a Elections Inspector, 2008-present. He was also a member of ENCRTA (Eastern Niagara Co. Retired Teachers Assn) V.P., Legislative Liaison for the NYSRTA/WZ, Board of Directors 2001 until present and was currently the Founders Fund Chair, a State Convention Delegate 2001-present. He served on the State Legislation Committee, Credentials Committee Chair 2011-present, on the Nominations Committee and the Ross Hudson Graduate Study Grant, Chair 2007 and Awards Past Chairman, Tom was also the past president of Lockport School Administrators&amp;#39; Association. Tom enjoyed golfing, was a Notre Dame sport enthusiast and also enjoyed reading, especially various magazines and newspapers. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara (nee Frankiewicz) O'Shea, father of Kevin (Tracy) O'Shea of Fairport, NY and Susan (Michael) Powers of Harrisburg, NY. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kelley Powers, Colleen Powers, Caroline Powers, Julia O'Shea, Katie O'Shea and Connor O'Shea. Tom is also survived by his sister Carol O'Shea-Haber of Liverport, NY. Friends may call Tuesday, 3 to 7 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc., 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday morning at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist R.C., 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Entombment will be in Queen of Heaven Mausoleums. Memorials to Niagara Hospice, 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com. <h3>Visitation</h3> Friends may call Tuesday, 3 to 7 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc., 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. <h3>Services</h3> A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday morning at 10 AM in St. John the Baptist R.C., 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. <h3>Interment</h3> Entombment will be in Queen of Heaven Mausoleums.