John Joseph "Jack" Shanley, Jr. - Obituary

aptain John Joseph Shanley, Jr., 89, died on Sunday, February 12, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was an adoring and devoted husband, a wonderful and caring father, an energetic and attentive Grandfather, a great friend, a Catholic role-model, an active volunteer and coach, and a happy, healthy, and strong man who lived a long life fully centered on God and his family. The son of a butcher, Jack was born in Brooklyn, New York where he was a member of Saint Jerome’s Parish and graduated from St. Augustine’s High School. After initially attending Manhattan College for a year, he received an appointment and entered the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). Graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in the Class of 1956, due to his academic prowess at USNA, upon commissioning he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and graduated with a second Bachelor’s Degree, one in Civil Engineering. It was during this time where he attained his Professional Engineer license (P.E.). He then spent the next 26 years as a Civil Engineer Corps Officer (“Seabee”) in various jobs of increasing accountability and responsibility to include deployments to Rota, Spain and one year on the ground in Vietnam, a tour as the Aide to the CEC Commander, a tour as Public Works Officer at the USNA, Executive Officer (XO) of Naval Construction Battalion Base, Gulfport, MS, Commanding Officer (CO) of Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, CA, and Director, Naval Construction (Worldwide) at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Springfield, VA. After a highly decorated 27 plus year naval career, to include recognition with the Legion of Merit Medal and multiple Meritorious Service Medals, Jack retired from the Navy in 1983. Soon thereafter, he joined the Staff at Georgetown University as the Director of Program Management and Construction, a role he excelled in for 14 years. After Georgetown, Jack moved employment across town where he wound down his time in the workforce as the Director of Facilities at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC for his final 6 years of work. Jack retired, for real, in 2005. Jack married Eileen Kenny, also from Brooklyn, on June 16, 1962. Eileen was the love of his life and he cherished their 55 years of marriage together. Eileen died in September 2017. The two moved frequently and created welcoming homes in the various “homeports” of Jack’s military career: Virginia, New York, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, and California. While serving in the Navy, they were the quintessential Navy couple, developing positive relationships around the USA. In 1981, Eileen and Jack settled in Annapolis, where they continued to raise their seven children. An especially active member of St. Mary’s Parish over the years, he volunteered for many church outreach programs including teaching Confirmation, praying at the Perpetual Adoration Chapel, coaching countless youth sports, and serving as a member of the Saint Mary’s Parish Facilities Committee, providing oversight and governance to many of the church and school related projects. Jack was a devout Catholic gentleman who led by example as a Christian role model and would attend Daily Mass. Champions of education, he and Eileen valued academics and instilled in their seven children that same trait. His five sons each followed him and graduated from the USNA while his two daughters graduated from Georgetown. Ten graduate degrees between the seven children, is a testament directly attributed to his support, encouragement, and role model stature. Jack and Eileen were always hospitable and loved to entertain. They were a perfect team and welcomed into their home countless friends and military associates, and had a special place in their heart for the many USNA midshipmen classmates of their children; many now considered family. Never one to lose his modest Brooklyn roots, Jack was known for his humble and unassuming persona, his New York accent, his unmatched patience, his optimistic “Can Do” Seabee attitude, his devotion to the Blessed Mary, and his immense love of his family and friends. Jack developed many dear friendships over his 89+ years and he was very grateful for each of them. After retirement, he particularly treasured his daily routine consisting of attendance at morning Catholic Mass, working out at the USNA Gym, and then breakfast at Chick and Ruth’s Deli with his wife and their close friends. He will always be remembered for his big smile, fun-loving personality, quick “New York wit,” and his ability to always be candid about life and faith. Jack was born on December 28, 1933 as the second child of Margaret O’Connor and John J. Shanley of Brooklyn, NY. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Eileen K. Shanley (September 2017). Jack is survived in death by his older sister, Mary W. Yerden, and his younger brother, James F. Shanley. Jack is also survived by his seven children, and thirty-nine grandchildren. His children are, John J. Shanley III (Jay) and wife, Elaine; Kevin G. Shanley; Gerard K. Shanley and wife, Kris; Thomas P. Shanley and wife, Kate; Megan S. Philbeck; Eileen S. Berzins and husband, Tim; and Captain (Select) Timothy F. Shanley, USN and wife, Emily. He is also survived by 39 grandchildren who he loved dearly and who each adored him and called him “Poppy”, they are: Kelly, Bridget, and Megan Shanley (children of Jay and Elaine); Brendan, Jack, Andrew, and Allison Shanley (children of Gerard and Kris); Michael and Annie Shanley (children of Tom and Kate); Thomas, Jack, Joseph, Eileen, and Michael Philbeck (children of Megan); Moira, Tim, Jr. (Timber), Gerard, William, Sean, Gabriel, Kevin, Mary Eileen (M.E), Marie, Molly, Theresa, Megan, Francis, Brendan, Virginia, Rose, and Cecilia Berzins (children of Eileen and Tim); and Tim, Jr., Louisa, John II, Joseph (Pfeifer), Richard, Gerard, Catherine, and Stephen Shanley (children of Tim and Emily). Friends are invited to celebrate Jack's life at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Rd., Edgewater, MD on Friday, February 17 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm with a Rosary at 8 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 109 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis, MD on Saturday, February 18 at 9 am. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery in Annapolis. Condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.