Obituary of Gerard R. Shannon

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gerard Shannon, husband to the late Helen Ann (Lynch), announces his passing which occurred on Thursday, June 8, 2017. Born on February 27, 1936, he was a son of the late Gerard and Isabel (Craigs) Shannon. Jerry was a lifelong resident of Saint John. Throughout his life, Jerry was active in minor baseball and hockey, both playing and coaching. Jerry was employed with the City of Saint John as a Police Officer and retired after 31 years of service. His most memorable years on the force, were those spent stationed at Rockwood Park as a Mounted Officer and spending those days with his horse Willie. During his career, Jerry was an active member and served as President of his union, CUPE Local 61, for many years. He was an Executive Board Member of the National CUPE as well as the New Brunswick Division. In his later years, Jerry owned and raced horses, becoming very involved in harness racing, was an avid Sea Dogs fan and enjoyed travel immensely. He was kind hearted and generous to a fault. Above all, Jerry relished in the time he spent with his family. Family always came first. He will forever be remembered as the family Patriarch and protector. Jerry is survived by his four children: Kathy (Eric) Eastwood, Dawn (Peter) Bates, Peter (Terri) and Sean (Michele), seven grandchildren: Karl and Heather Eastwood, Peter Bates, Alyssa, Brianna, Farrah and Violet Shannon, and one great granddaughter Bailey Rae Bates, his four sisters: Agnes (Buzz), Dorothy, Patricia (Shawn) and Mary Teresa (Ed), one brother Donald (Martina) along with many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Helen Ann, grandson Jeffrey Donald Bates, brothers-in-law John McNeill, Darrel Paisley and Wayne Robinson. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) where visitation will be held on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11 from 2-4 and 6-8. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 12 at 10 am from St. Peter’s Parish and interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Cathedral Restoration Fund, the IWK or to a charity of donor’s choice.