John V. O'Shea

John V. O’Shea, 82, passed away peacefully on November 21 with his wife and dog, Cleo, at his side.

Born on July 12, 1943, in a heavily Irish American neighborhood of Queens, New York, John later grew up in Hackensack, New Jersey. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Montclair State College and his Master’s Degree from Colorado State University. His lifelong love of English and Creative Writing shaped both his education and his career.

John began his professional life with State Farm, serving as Chief Editor of the company’s employee publication, Reflector, in Bloomington, Illinois. When the opportunity arose to return to Colorado, he embraced it wholeheartedly, moving to Denver and opening his own insurance agency. He proudly and faithfully served his clients for 44 years.

Those who knew John will remember his kindness, generous heart, quick wit, and infectious laugh. He was a voracious reader who delighted in classic literature—Don Quixote holding a special place in his heart—and he found deep joy in the craft of writing and editing. He published several short stories over the years, always nurturing the creative spark he felt from an early age. An 8th-grade Latin class first ignited his fascination with words and language, a passion that only grew stronger throughout his life.

In 1995, John married Jo Ann Becker. They shared more than 30 years of devotion, adventure, and steadfast love. Together they traveled the world, weathered life’s challenges, and celebrated its joys. Both avid participants in race events, they made it a point to cross every finish line together. John completed his first marathon at age 60.

John encouraged Jo as she pursued her dream of becoming a registered nurse. Throughout her work in infectious diseases, he embraced her mission and welcomed the HIV/AIDS community as part of their extended family.

Nothing brought John more happiness than becoming a grandfather. He and Jo made annual trips to California to laugh, play, and create cherished memories with their granddaughters, Aria and Cecelia. John was profoundly proud of his family and friends. He lived a full, meaningful life, held a deep belief in God’s loving grace and mercy, and was a longtime participant in a men’s Bible Study group.

John was predeceased by his parents, Ruth Sachtleben and John A. O’Shea. He is survived by his loving wife, Jo; his brother Tom (Sherry) O’Shea; former wife, Marjorie O’Shea, and mother of his children: John Jr. (Carolyn Lim), Tim O’Shea, and Bree (Darren Reinig) O’Shea; granddaughters Aria and Cecelia Reinig; godchildren Mai (Josh) Krohn and Anthony Patterson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Jo wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the “village” of family, neighbors, and friends near and far who supported them throughout John’s relentless Alzheimer’s journey, as well as to the medical teams, support groups, Bloom Hospice, the many caregivers who came into their home, niece, Mary Rose Thompson, who brought the gift of music, and the staff of Cherry Knolls Memory Care, where John lived his final four months.

Celebration of Life

An Open House will be held at John and Jo’s home on December 20, from Noon to 4 p.m., with plenty of food, stories, and laughter as we celebrate John’s life. Look for the life-size cutouts of the Three Stooges greeting you at the door.

Funeral Mass

A Funeral Mass will be held on December 22 at 10 a.m. at Risen Christ Catholic Parish, 3060 S. Monaco Pkwy, Denver, CO 80222. (Live streaming will be available at 10 a.m. Go to www.risenchristchurch.org and click on Live stream.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association.