Wayne A. Shays, Sr.

Wayne A. Shays, Sr., 63 of Auburn, formerly of Worcester, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 after a long term illness. Wayne was born in Worcester, one of seventeen children to Harry L. Shays, Sr., Roberta (Lapensee) Shays and Phyllis (Mossa) Lavallee. He was an outstanding mechanic who enjoyed building old cars, which was one of his favorite hobbies. He also loved time with family and friends, and that was his life.   He will be truly missed and always loved so very deeply in their hearts. Wayne is survived by his three children, Lynn M. Laperle and her husband Daryl of Danielson, Ct., Tammy L. Lemieux and her husband Skip of Auburn with whom he lived and Wayne A. Shays, Jr. of Webster; several step-children; twenty six grandchildren; six brothers, Philip, George, James, John, Brian, Glenn Lavallee and Todd Shays; six sisters, Debra Peters, Cindy and Kathy Bonneville, Robin and Lisa Shays and Gina Reynolds; many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by three brothers, Harry, Roger & Robert Shays and a sister, Darlene Kelleher. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Tuesday, April 11th from 4-7 pm in the funeral home. Services for Wayne will be held on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 10 am in St. Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton St., Worcester.  Burial will follow at Hope Cemetery, Worcester.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Wayne to: COPD Foundation, 3300 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134.  To share your thoughts and memories of Wayne, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com