Arthur J. “Butchie” Shay in Wakefield, formerly of the Cathedral Projects in the South End of Boston, passed away on September 17, 2025. Beloved son of the late Arthur L. Shay and Rose M. (Hayes). Dear brother of Thomas Shay and his spouse Mary Flanagan of Roslindale, Dianne Shay of NH, Joyce Scherer and her late husband Joseph of NH. Also survived by many nieces and great nieces.
Butchie grew up in the Cathedral Projects in the South End of Boston. He was a boy scout at the Boys Club and played baseball for the pony league. He loved music especially Motown and the 50’s. He was also a great dancer and sharp dresser.
Butchie proudly served in the Army and was a Vietnam Veteran.
After returning from Vietnam, Butchie become a welder and tin knocker. His father Artie taught him the trade of auto body and together with his brother Tommy they bought their own shop, Shay Auto Body.
Butchie was a wonderful son to his mother Rose and a great brother to Tommy, Dianne and Joyce. He will be truly missed by his family and many dear friends.
Visiting Hours in the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, on Thursday, September 25th from 11:00am to 1:00pm. Followed by a Funeral Service at 1:00pm. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment Private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Butchie may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW National Headquarters, 406 W 34th Street, Kansas City, MO 64111 or www.vfw.org