Joseph W. Shannon

Joseph W. Shannon, our loving and generous father, grandfather, and friend, died peacefully on August 3, 2024 at the age of 98 at Sumner Regional Medical Center in Gallatin, Tennessee. He will be missed greatly and his memory treasured by his many family members and friends.

 Born on July 20, 1926 in Greenwich, Connecticut, Joseph was the son of the late James and Delia (Noonan) Shannon. Joseph is predeceased by his wife, Dolores (Spignesi) Shannon, and by his two sisters, Cora Husted and Marie Shannon. He is survived by his four children, Cynthia Shannon of North Carolina, Christopher and wife Barbara Shannon of Tennessee, Stephen and wife Lisa Shannon of Maine, and Victoria and husband Brian Bellerose of Virginia.

 Joseph, fondly called Papa Joe, was blessed with and survived by nine grandchildren: Erik Jensen, Andrew Jensen, Karina Zugaj, Jessica Spangler, Kristina Quillen, Michael Bellerose, Thomas Bellerose, Isabella Shannon, and Sophia Shannon, and nine great-grandchildren: Austin and Addy, Kora and Kaiman, Jacob and Cody, Carter and Archer, and Evelyn. Papa Joe always delighted in his grands and greats with his endearing childlike, playful spirit and kind heart, and his memory will live on in their hearts.

 Joseph or “Joe” called Greenwich home for many years. He was a devout parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and attended Greenwich High School until joining the Navy as a teenager during World War II. During the war, Joe and his fellow crew members were rescued at sea when their ship was sunk. Post-war he completed trade school and over the years became a highly skilled carpenter, taking roles as foreman and superintendent of building projects, including churches, mansions, and condominiums. Many nights would find him poring over architects’ blueprints or crafting a woodworking project for someone. In later years, he honed his artistry in turning bowls and various intricate wooden creations. Carpentry was his life. He was a true craftsman.

 Joe was married to his beloved Dolores for over 70 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling, gardening, camping, reading, debating, going to the beach and creating a lovely family home where all were welcome. In 1971, they moved from Greenwich to Sarasota, Florida, a place they truly loved. They were long-time members of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs church in Bradenton, where Joe was an usher. He also participated as a volunteer firefighter in the local fire station. In their retirement years, they joined the active community in Trailer Estates, and Joe indulged his passion for woodworking at the wood shop, making a variety of amazing creations such as toys, lamps, bowls, carvings, and others. Joe and Dolores were devoted to each other, and he deeply mourned her passing in 2021. While sadly grieving their loss, we are also comforted with knowing they are at last reunited.

The family would like to extend a special thanks and warm appreciation to the caregivers and residents at Trousdale Senior Center in Hartsville, Tennessee for their over-the-top kindness, thoughtfulness and care given to Joseph in his final two years, a place he considered home.

 Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service which will be held at 2 pm on Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida, with a Celebration of Life to follow.