Obituary of Thomas J. Shanahan

Thomas J. Shanahan, 86, of Syracuse NY, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2020. He was born on April 21st, 1937, and he grew up on the Northside where he graduated from Saint John the Evangelist. He also graduated from Le Moyne College with a degree in business.

As a young man he grew up in a house that supported family members as they settled in Syracuse from Ireland. After graduating from Le Moyne, he worked in sales for General Electric, Rock City Box, and in real estate. He also served his country in the Air National Guard, serving time in Germany.

He married Roseann Tiby in May of 1965. They lived in the Valley in Syracuse, where they both remained for the rest of their lives, raising their three children and grandchildren. Tom was active in his community. He helped to coach in Valley sports. He was an active member of Saint James Church. He was a member of the Valley Men’s Club, and most neighbors knew him for his daily walks around the neighborhood.

 Tom was proud of his Irish heritage, and he studied his own family history through the stories of his father Maurice. After his retirement, he spent hours at Betts Branch Library researching both Irish history and medical information. He was a member of the Tom Dooley Choraliers singing group, and he enjoyed performing with them at events around the city.

Tom was an honest and kind man who enjoyed talking with people. He loved his family, his home, and his neighborhood, and his quick stride and funny stories will remain in our memories forever.

He is survived by his daughter Susan Matteson (Maurice), his son Michael Shanahan (Amanda), his daughter Megan Christoffel (Glenn), and his sisters Rita Vollmer and Alice Harrington. He is also survived by his grandchildren Andrew Matteson (Ariana), Shane Matteson (Jamie), Connor Shanahan, Kara Shanahan, Zoey Christoffel and Jacob Christoffel. He is predeceased by his wife Roseann Shanahan, his twin sister Mary Shanahan, his father Maurice Shanahan, his mother Alice Shanahan, and his brother Edward Shanahan.

Calling hours will be held at Our Lady of Hope Church in Syracuse from 11am to 12pm on January 2nd with a funeral mass to follow at 12pm. Burial will be in Veterans Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Emmaus Ministry of Syracuse.