Obituary of Fr. Art O'Shea

The death occurred peacefully at The Mount Continuing Care Facility on Sunday morning April 13, 2025 of Fr Arthur James O’Shea beloved priest of the Diocese of Charlottetown, formerly of Iona PEI. Father Art is survived by his last sibling Anne Connolly of Sherwood PEI, and sister-in-law Florence O’Shea of Iona PEI, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his loving parents, William and Helen (Byrne) O’Shea; brothers, Maurice, Henry, Frank and Leo O’Shea; and sisters, Molly O’Shea and Mary O’Shea Swanston. Brothers-in-law Arthur Connolly and Joe Swanston as well as sisters-in-law Edna O’Shea, Kaye O’Shea and Verona Smaniotto.  

 

Born on June 20, 1930, in Iona, PEI, Fr. Art devoted his life to serving others—both as a teacher in education and ministry. Ordained in 1967, he spent many years faithfully serving 12 parishes across PEI.   Beyond his pastoral work, Fr. Art also served the Diocese of Charlottetown as Vicar General, Archivist, Historian, a member of the College of Consultors, and as chaplain at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and The Mount Continuing Care Facility.

 

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Fr. Art’s love for softball and baseball began in the 1950s as a first baseman for St. Mike’s in Iona and continued into his support for the PEI Senior Islanders baseball team as recently as last summer.  He was a prolific author whose many published works reflected a lifelong dedication to writing.

 

Fr Art’s arrangements have been entrusted to the Hillsboro Funeral Home, no visitation by personal request. Funeral Mass to be celebrated at St Dunstan’s Basilica on Wednesday April 16, 2025 at 10:30 am.  He will lie in state at St Dunstan's Basilica at 9:30 am with Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 am.  Interment to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the SDU Scholarship Fund in memory of Fr Art would be appreciated which supports aspiring students at the University of Prince Edward Island.  

 

A video recording of the Funeral Mass will be available following the Funeral Mass by clicking on the funeral video tab after 2 pm Wednesday.