Arthur Joseph Shanahan, Jr.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Arthur Joseph Shanahan of Ithaca, NY passed away on April 26, 2018.

Chief Shanahan was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 9, 1929, and was the first child of Arthur Joseph and Susan Bowne Shanahan. He was a graduate of Franklin Lane High School, Class of 1948. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. After completing basic recruit training at Great Lakes IL (where he was chosen Honor Man of his company). Chief Shanahan's assignments took him to the Naval Air Station in Sanford FL: Marine Corp Base Cherry Point NC. He served aboard the USS Wren (Norfolk VA); the USS Kodiak (Kodiak AL); the USS Chemung (San Diego CA). He also served a tour of duty at the NROTC (Cornell University, Ithaca) the US Naval Base at Long Beach CA and a tour of duty in Albany. His last assignment was at the US Naval Base (USS Chemung) in San Diego CA.

Upon Upon his retirement from the Navy in 1971 Chief Shanahan became a permanent resident of Ithaca. He was employed for ten years with Seneca Supply of Ithaca and was also employed at Cayuga Medical Center, until his retirement in 1990.

In 1960 Art met the love of his life, Sue Barra and on November 26, 1960, they were married in Anabel Taylor Chapel at Cornell University. Art and Sue went on to have three sons and a long, happy, and loving marriage of 57 years.

Chief Shanahan was a member (47 years) of St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic church. He was an avid golfer, playing for many years at Newman Golf Course (he built the scorecard holder that is still in use at Newman today). Art also enjoyed archery, wood working, bowling, and card playing among other activities that brought him much pleasure. Ever the seaman, one of his proudest achievements was building a sailboat. A "maiden voyage" of the vessel occurred at Stewart Park in July of 1975. The sailboat went on to have another life and was donated to the Boy Scouts of America at Camp Barton.

Art is survived by his wife, Sue, sons Patrick Francis of Ithaca, NY, Jeffrey Joseph (Renee) of Ashburn, Virginia, and Christopher Jon (Gail) of Wayne, NJ. Two granddaughters, Chelsea Nicole (Ryan) Lumpkin and Oliva Susan Shanahan of Ashburn, Va., and two grandsons Alex Howard and Justin Christopher Shanahan of Wayne, NJ. Great-grandchildren Braedyn, Ara, and Emmett Lumpkin of Ashburn, Va. Two sisters Mary E. Abrams and Margaret M. Neff of Daphne, Alabama. As well as several loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to attend a Mass of the Resurrection, officiated by Rev. Joseph W. Marcoux, on Saturday, May 5, at 10 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Church, followed by Full Military Honors. A luncheon reception will follow in the Parish Center. There are no calling hours. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Art's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to dear friends for the many kindnesses and support shown during the past several months. Art will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you pass on a good deed, no matter how big or how small, and think of Art.