“When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” was surely playing early Monday morning as Joseph W. Shannon Jr. of Raleigh, NC was welcomed home by God and so many of his friends and family who had gone before him. It must have been some celebration!!

Son of Joseph Patrick William Shannon and Lucy Harrison Shannon, Joe was born in Richmond, VA on August 20, 1931. He grew up in New London, CT and Clinton, MA, his father working for the US Government during Joe’s youth. Joe receive an undergraduate degree in English from Fairfield University in Connecticut in 1954, a Master’s Degree in Government and Public Administration from American University in Washington, DC in 1957 and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from New York University in 1967. He served in the US Marine Corp and was employed by Thomas J. Lipton, Inc., and Eckerd Drug Stores, Inc.

Joe is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyce Reams Shannon, (married on St. Patrick’s Day, 3/17/1956), his son, William Burke Shannon, and his granddaughter, Zoe Elizabeth Shannon. Joe, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Raleigh, NC since 1974, was always proud to be a “cradle Catholic” and first generation American, his father leaving Ireland for America in 1906. He cherished his family and close friends, some of whom he had known for 80 years. He will be remembered as a very sweet, quiet, generous and private man, always caring and thoughtful of others… and a true gentleman.

May he rest forever in God’s wonderful love and peace, Amen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.