On July 1, 2023, after 799 days of valiantly fighting pancreatic cancer, surrounded by family in his home, Kevin L. Shay, 64 of Angelica, NY passed away.
Born in Wellsville, September 26, 1958, the son of Maxon and Gloria Shay, Kevin was a graduate of Whitesville High School,class of 1977 and Alfred State College Building Construction class of 1981. Known for his quick wit and ability to bring laughter to any situation, Kevin had a talent for telling jokes that would light up a room and bring smiles to the faces of those around him. He touched the lives of many and will be dearly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In his youth, Kevin anchored the defense in goal for the BlueJays and played key roles for the basketball and baseball teams. He may have been best known for his work as a butcher at the family store, Shay’s Red & White, “You can’t beat, Shay’s meat.” His infectious character really added to the appeal of a very successful small-town store.
Throughout his early adult years, Kevin worked for UPS and Big Guys Liquor Store where his charismatic personality was able to shine and continue to grow what would become an endless network of friends. In that time, he grew his family by having three children, Ashley, Robbie, and David. A lifetime of love and laughter was created that would be the start of Kevin’s beautiful family tree.
During this time Kevin was honored to start working part-time, which quickly moved to full-time, serving the community as a Corrections Officer at the Allegany County Sheriff’s Department. Throughout his astonishing 31-yearcareer, he displayed unwavering dedication, integrity, and a commitment to upholding the law. Kevin’s presence at the Sheriff’s Office was marked not only by his professionalism but also by his ability to establish meaningful friendships with his colleagues and the citizens who he protected day in and day out. Many of these relationships blossomed into lifelong bonds, creating a second family for Kevin.
During this time Kevin met his beloved wife Lisa L. Clark-Shay. They began dating in 2003 and married on August 31, 2013. The marriage added Lisa’s daughter Michelle completing the base for Kevin’s flourishing family tree. Their marriage was a testament to the strength of their relationship and the joy they found in each other’s company. They shared a deep bond and a blended home filled with love and laughter. Lisa stood by his side throughout their journey together, providing unwavering love and support.
Outside of his work, Kevin had a wide range of interests and hobbies. He loved mowing, breakfast at Ace’s, attending youth sporting events, running the tractor at EastWind, hunting, shooting, NCIS, car shopping, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Dallas Cowboys. If you know Kevin, you have likely had the privilege of hearing a joke and his infectious laugh.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Kenneth and ErnestineShay, maternal grandparents Virginia and Lawrence McCracken and his four legged children Harley and Goldie.
Surviving Kevin L. Shay is the love of his life and beloved wife Lisa L. Clark-Shay, his parents Maxon and Gloria Shay (McCracken) of Andover, brother Denny (Faye) Shay of Andover, along with their 3 sons Matt, Seth and Ryan,daughter Ashley C. (Raymie) Auman of Wellsville, along with their 3 children Amelia, Maxon, and Maverick, son David J. Shay (Samantha Howe) of Wellsville and their 4 children Nathan Howe, Morgaen Howe, Gracelyn Howe, and Casyn Shay, daughter Michelle (Nick) Kelley of Angelica and their 2 children Lyla and Bristol,son Robbie Shay of Belmont, and Kevin and Lisa’s four legged kid, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Kevin was a dedicated father and grandfather and spent his years participating in and attending their events. He was proud of their accomplishments as they brought immense joy to his life.
Family and friends may call at Genesee Valley Central School in Belmont, NY on Thursday (July 6, 2023) from 2PM until 6PM. Funeral services will be held at Genesee Valley Central School in Belmont, NY on Friday (July 7, 2023) at 1PM. Attendees are encouraged to stay for a celebration of life while family and close friends attend burial services at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellsville, NY.
To send a remembrance please visit Brown & Powers Funeral Homes website at www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @brownpowersfh.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to PanCAN by going to https://pancan.org, in honor of ShayStrongStayStrong.
May Kevin rest in eternal peace, knowing that his impact on the lives of those around him will forever be cherished.
