Photo courtesy of Reed & Benoit Funeral Home Inc. - Watertown
Watertown, New York
Aug 7, 1964 – Jan 13, 2021 (Age 56)
Jeffrey Thomas Shannon, 56, of 25721 Mustard Rd., Watertown, NY passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at Samaritan Medical Hospital due to complications of Covid-19.
The funeral mass will be 1 pm Wednesday for family at the Immaculate Conception Church, Brownville with Rev. Michael Gaffney officiating. Spring burial will be in the Dexter Cemetery. Calling hours with Covid regulations in place will be Tuesday from 4 pm - 7 pm at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, Watertown. The funeral service will be streamed online at the WWNY website and Facebook page.
Jeff was born in Alexandria Bay, NY on August 7,1964, the son of the late parents Dr. Harold K. Shannon and Margaret (Decker) Shannon. He was a 1982 graduate of General Brown Central School, Dexter, NY. He attended Jefferson Community College and graduated from there in 1984. He then proceeded to go on to Oswego State University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Broadcasting.
His first job was with WSCP, a country western radio station in Pulaski, NY and penned his name as “Ramblin’ Jeff Shannon.” For the next 32 years he was employed behind the scenes by WWNY TV7 and Z93 FM Radio in Watertown, NY. The Shannon family would like to thank WWNY TV7 and all the radio stations for their loving tributes to Jeff. He was more than an employee, he was family.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 30 years, Donna (Liscomb) Shannon; his son Jordan Shannon and his fiancée Harley Bates; his daughter Brittany Shannon and her significant other, Gil Rodriguez; two sisters, Linda Gracey (James) and Nancy Abbott (James) both in Dexter, NY; a brother, Paul Shannon (Cindy) in Liverpool, NY; two step sisters, Kathy Gauthier (Daniel) in Jamaica Plains, MA and Helen Fenlon (Mark) in Marcellus, NY; and a step brother, Stephen Can (Pamela) in New Hope, PA.
Jeff also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their children as well as his pets from his first pet, Kelly, to Scruffy, Misty, Luciano, Frodo, Jonas, and his most recent Swarley, “his stink pot.”
Besides his parents he was predeceased by our loving Stepmother, June O. Can Shannon.
Jeff and Donna spent numerous vacations camping and cruising around the world with their best friends Ben and Holly Rubacha. There were many game nights with them, Penny, Rodney, Peggy, and Dave that will be missed. None of these events will ever be the same. There were also many gatherings with Donna’s family where someone would say Jeff’s name and he’d respond, but so would his brother-in-law Jeff Cronk and his son Jeff Cronk JR. The love was always there when any event was attended by family and friends.
There’s so much more we could say about our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He was always smiling, friendly with everyone, so knowledgeable about many trivial things including The Simpsons, and what a sense of humor! Everyone who tuned into his Z93 FM radio show and Z93wind knew that. There are no words about how missed he will be. We will love you infinity Jeff!
The Shannon Family and Jefferson Community College have created a fund to support local students in Jeff’s memory. To make a gift in honor of Jeff Shannon go to www.sunyjefferson.edu/jccgiving or call 315-786-2458.
Donations can also be sent to:
Jefferson Community College Foundation
1220 Coffeen Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Condolences may be made online at reedbenoit.
.
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His voice will be missed on the radio. My wife and I always looked forward to hearing him and his knowledge of the past events. From my family to yours we are truly sorry to hear about his passing
Tim Connell
June 06, 2021 | Kingston, ON
I only knew Jeff as his voice for the years but he was a welcome voice and family to me, being on the road all the time. I'm from Canada but always found him on radio and I am so shocked, and so very sorry that he's passed from this world.
He was only 9 years older than I.
I hope that on both sides of the border, that we can find a way to commemorate Jeff.
I am permanently disabled due to a transport accident, so am on a fixed income.- that said, if anyone comes up with...
T Laue
February 09, 2021 | Prescott, ON | Friend
Jeff was an amazing guy to work with who made a day at the office more fun. I was so very lucky to work with him for 4 years in Watertown. My thoughts are with all the people who loved him dearly and were lucky enough to call him their friend. He will be dearly missed by so many. May his memory be a blessing.
Caroline Tucker
February 08, 2021 | Arlington, VA | Coworker
Jeff was always a pleasure to work with in radio and made Saturday mornings fun with his great sense of humor and professionalism. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to Donna, Jordan, Brittany and all who were lucky enough to have known him-Nathan, Sarah & Olivia Lehman
Nathan Lehman
January 23, 2021 | Watertown, NY | Friend
He is a great guy
Crystal Howard
January 22, 2021 | Cape Vincent, NY | Friend
Jeff was a one of a kind guy who left us way to soon! The broadcast community and the north country lost a giant! My deepest sympathy to Donna and family.
Michael White
January 20, 2021 | Adams, NY | Friend
I am so saddened by the passing of such a fine human being. I remember Jeff initially as a student at Jefferson where his dad tried to influence him to follow the path of science as a career. Jeff resisted primarily because of his love for studying communications and being involved with the media- he definitely followed the right path. Jeff was instrumental in helping the College spread the word about Super Science Saturday and he was a huge supporter of Jefferson in so many ways. I’m sure...
John Penrose
January 20, 2021 | Alfred, NY | Teacher
Donna and Family, please accept my deepest condolences upon the loss of your husband/father/brother. I will never forget Jeff's quick wit, smile, and his kindness. Jen (Read) Meny
Jennifer Meny
January 19, 2021 | Glenfield, NY | Coworker
I first met Jeff at a scholarship dinner in the summer of 1982, right after our high school graduations. We hit it off immediately. We introduced each other to several of our eventual Jefferson Community College classmates that evening and later on campus. Jeff's father, Dr. Shannon was my mentor at JCC. Over the years, we forged a great friendship in which each of us were best men at our weddings. Often, we'd often talk late into the night about how our families were, his various...
Jeffrey Petroske
January 18, 2021 | Baldwinsville, NY | Friend