Billy O’Shea, a resident at Melmark who liked to brighten people’s days by telling them they were beautiful, died at the age of 67 at the Berwyn facility, writes Bonnie Cook for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

O’Shea was born in 1952 with Down syndrome. When his parents could no longer care for him, his sister Mary Lehrer and her husband Samuel, a Philadelphia Municipal Court judge, became his guardians.

“He was the greatest gift that Mary and I have ever had,” said Samuel.

“We will miss him,” said Anne Brown, O’Shea’s sister. “He was just nothing but love.”

In 1974, O’Shea moved to Melmark, a residence for people with autism and intellectual disabilities, as well as genetic and neurological differences. There, he worked in the dish room and was very popular with the residents and staff.

At a young age, he was in the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and always enjoyed family gatherings and going to parties.

“He gave happiness and joy to his family and to all who came to know him,” said Lehrer.

Read more about Billy O’Shea in The Philadelphia Inquirer here.

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