Robert S. O'Shea 1925-2018

Robert S. O'Shea, 93, of Springfield, died Nov. 18 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Springfield on April 9, 1925, the son of Ralph and Glenn Rose O'Shea.

He attended Cathedral Boys and Springfield High Schools and earned bachelor’s and law degrees at Indiana University. He was awarded four bronze battle stars for service in World War II. He landed on Utah Beach in Normandy and fought in the Battle of the Bulge as a rifleman with the 825th Tank Destroyer Battalion.

O'Shea began his career as an attorney for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., and later returned to Springfield, where he held several positions in state government and in private practice. In 1962 he authored Illinois' first regulation to protect consumers against false representation in the sale of life insurance; this became a model adopted by many other states. He was the Democratic Party's 1972 candidate for U. S. Congress, 20th District, and played a major role in establishing the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation program and the National Association of Criminal Victims Compensation Boards.

He is survived by children Sarah O'Shea Munoz of River Forest, Suzanne O'Shea of Springfield and Ted (Katie) O'Shea of Mount Prospect. Loving grandfather of Meghan Kandow (Kevin), Katie Munoz, Joseph O'Shea, and Patrick O'Shea. Preceded in death by sister Virginia Durbin and wife Margaret Patton.