Passing of Gerard "Rod" O'Shea

Gerard "Rod" O'Shea

Edgemont - Gerard "Rod" O'Shea died September 9, his 53rd anniversary, at his second home, from complications attributed to Myasthenia Gravis.

Rod was born November 3rd, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest of seven children, to Michael and Sarah O'Shea. After graduating from LaSalle Academy, he served in the Air Force during the Korean War as a cryptographer. After discharge he continued his education at St John's University (B.A.) and Columbia Teachers College (MAT). 

During the 1960's he taught speech & drama and produced plays at Scarsdale High School. In 1967 he married Madelon Kavey, retired from public school teaching, and started Gerard P. O'Shea Associates, Inc., the communications company he ran for the next 45 years. In the early 1980's Rod wrote THE NEW READING, establishing him as a nationally recognized reading expert. This book was followed by several others, including a series of how to effectively coach kids to play youth sports. 

For over 25 years, Rod and his wife had local weekly radio shows on WFAS, White Plains radio - TALKING WITH ROD O'SHEA and MR. OPEN NIGHTER. A firm believer in giving back to his community, Rod served as President of The Edgemont Association, currently serving as treasurer; Chairman of The Council of Greenburgh Civic Associations; and on town committees too numerous to name. In recognition of his years of dedicated service, he and Madelon received the Edgemont Community Council's Silver Box community service award. 

He was very active in veterans affairs, made written contributions to various veterans publications, served on the Veterans Service Advisory Board of Westchester County and worked to help raise money for Canines for Combat Veterans and wounded warrior groups. He was most proud of the work he did to help create memorials to Gold Star Mothers and to gain recognition for non-citizen mothers into Gold Star Mothers in America. Rod was a proud member of 2285 VFW and American Legion 979. He also belonged to the Korean War Vets and the DAV. Rod loved his little piece of heaven in Florida; he valued his family time over everything else. He rarely missed a game, a performance or an opportunity to spend time with his children. He really lived a full, active, erudite life.

Rod is survived by his wife Madelon, his sons Mitchell (Lisa), and James (Elisha), his daughter Michele-Ann (Matt), grandchildren Morgan, Kevin, Allison, Acelyn, Makenna, Eleanor and Samuel. He was pre-deceased by all his siblings.

Burial, with military honors, was in Florida National Cemetery. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Eastchester Veterans Foundation, 433 White Plains Road, Eastchester NY; Fisher House at James J. Peters VA Hospital, Bronx, NY.; or a veterans group of your choice.