John Shay, Jr.

We are deeply saddened to announce that on October 23, 2025, John Joseph Shay, Jr. passed away.

John “Jack” was born in 1933, in Yonkers, NY, to the late Alice and John Shay, Sr.

Jack served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany after World War II. Upon returning to the United States he worked for Shay Construction, a family-owned business. He then went on to have a successful career in the Yonkers Fire Department and ultimately became a well-respected Captain.

On October 13, 1956, he married the love of his life, Catherine P. Shay (McCarthy) and together they had four children. Jack and Catherine raised their family in Yorktown Heights. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church. He was a devoted husband and loving father.

Jack was an avid sports fan, always cheering for the Mets. When it came to sports he was not only a spectator, he was an active participant, from playing in local recreational leagues to coaching his grandkids.

Jack will be remembered most of all for his love of family and the everlasting love he had for his wife. Jack was an amazing father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He never missed a game, play, or school event. His youthful spirit made him more than just a good grandfather (Papoo) but also a great friend. In later years he bonded with his family over a shared love of music, movies, and sports.

He is predeceased by his wife Catherine, and he is survived by his children, Colleen Lyman (Victor), John Shay III, Maureen Sideris (James), and Cathleen Madden (predeceased by Daniel). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Trevor (David), Alexa (Ivan), Maggie, Jack (Tori), Victoria, and Aidan (predeceased by John B. Shay) and four great-grandchildren: Hailey, Liam, Lily-Rose, and Violet.