Dave Shea speaks at Monday night's ceremony.

By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Today is officially Dave Shea Day in Ogdensburg.

At an special meeting last night, more than 150 people packed into City Hall to honor the area’s prominent Ogdensburg Journal and Advance News sports editor David “The Doctor” Shea. Shea recently announced he was retiring after 43 years in the businesses.

Mayor William Nelson was among the many speakers who honored Shea for his dedication to the job and the community. Before he proclaimed April 7 as Dave Shea in Ogdensburg, He recalled Shea covering games Nelson played while attending Lisbon School with Rick Carlisle, who went on to NBA fame. Nelson said that despite the fact he warmed the bench, Shea didn’t leave him out of the stories.

Nelson said Shea’s ability to make every player feel important is what makes him so special. He said Shea’s writing has left an imprint on countless children over the years and that his influence is immeasurable.

The light-hearted roast was emceed Chuck Kelly, editor emeritus of the The Journal and Advanced News, but other speakers included Bishop Terry LaValley, long-time friend Steve Larose, Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club Director Thomas Luckie Jr., Ogdensburg coach Bill Merna, former Managing Editor of the Ogdensburg Journal Jim Regan, who now works as a spokesperson for Sen. Patricia Ritchie, and Claxton Hepburn Medical Center communications director Laura Shea, who is also Shea’s sister-in-law.

Although all the speakers agreed that Shea had a knack for making everyone feel important, working incredible hours and transforming local sports into something bigger, his close friends said his passion also carries over to his personal relationships.

Larose said Shea would give anything to help someone in need and has done everything from helping others make rent, to ensuring they had groceries.

Luckie said the OBGC’s most coveted award is named for Shea, because it goes to those who exemplify the qualities that make Shea presents everyday.

Merna shared the story behind Shea’s nickname, as he joked that Shea’s ability to “dazzle” his opponents on the court made him akin to NBA star “Doctor” Julius Erving.

Regan and Kelly both recalled Shea as a unique and irreplaceable sports reporter, and Laura Shea said her children were looking forward to spending more time with their uncle.

Shea also spoke at the meeting after accepting praise from the others.

“They say a man's wealth isn’t measured by zeros, but by the friends you have. If that’s true I can’t measure the wealth I have,” he said.