Francis E. Shay, Jr., 88, of Wareham passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Tobey Hospital. Mr. Shay was the husband of  Jean (Hastings) Shay. Mr. Shay was born in Brockton, MA, the son of the late Francis E. and Mildred (Keliher) Shay Sr.  

A 20+ year Navy veteran, he attained the rank of Petty Officer 1st. Class and was a Vietnam veteran serving aboard  the USS Intrepid (CVS 11) , USS Orion, USS Sumner among others. He was proud to be on the Intrepid for its final journey to New York City. Frank moved to Ithaca, NY after his Navy retirement where he raised miniature horses, emus and various other creatures. He and Jean traveled around the country and settled in Asheville, NC before returning to Wareham.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children:  Robert Shay of Pawtucket, RI,  David Shay of New York, Thomas Shay of New York, Michele Gould of Wareham, John Shay of New York and Vincent Shay of New York.  He had a close bond with his stepdaughter Melodye Conway of Wareham.   He was the brother of Mark Shay of CT and Paula House of NV.  He was also survived by 15 grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.  He was the brother of the late Philip Shay, the late Sandra Alden of Brockton and the late Karen Hill of Washington, DC. 

A private Committal service will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery.  Memorial gifts may be made to: Intrepid Museum Foundation, Pier 86 W 46th St and 12th Ave.  New York, NY 10036 : www.intrepidmuseum.org 

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com    Arrangements are in the care of Wareham Village Funeral Home  5 Center Street Wareham.