Stephen S. Shannon, Jr

Stephen Stanislaus Shannon, Jr.

January 1, 1945 - February 14, 2025

Ridge, NY - Stephen Stanislaus, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, February 14, 2025. Stephen is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 59 years, Claire (Chennells) Shannon; daughters Tracey (Kevin) Cassidy - Kyle, Shannon, Bridgid; Melissa (Jim) Feck - Abigail, Andrew; and Meredith (Andre) Johnson - Xavier; sisters Daria (Arthur) Johannesen, Nancy (George) Gifford; Brother-in-law Brian (Judy) Chennells, and several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Stephen, a lifetime New Yorker, was born in Brooklyn, predeceased by his parents Stephen Stanislaus Shannon, Sr. and Daria (Sasso) Shannon Huels, and raised in Amityville. Stephen and Claire started their family in West Islip and settled in Ridge, NY in 1977 where he lived the remainder of his life. He retired from running his newspaper distribution business in the mid-1990s.

Stephen and Claire eloped at St. Bernard's Church in Saranac Lake, NY on February 24,1966 while he was a student at Paul Smith's College and a member of Delta Alpha Phi fraternity. He then worked in Manhattan as a Junior Accountant before volunteering for the Vietnam War draft. Stephen became a Specialist 4th Class in the US Army serving from 1967 - 1968 in Qui Nhon, South Vietnam and was honorably discharged. As a disabled Vietnam Veteran, Stephen found great importance in supporting veteran's causes and was quartermaster at the former VFW Post 3394 for a time.

Stephen's greatest love in life was his wife Claire, followed by the love and pride he had for his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for the Adirondacks and the Berkshires where he and Claire spent many years visiting their peaceful land in Becket, MA.

The family extends our heartfelt appreciation to the Catholic Health System, especially the team at Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson, NY, who provided compassionate, attentive care to Stephen and comfort to his family. Services will be held in April at Calverton National Cemetery where he will proudly lay in rest. To honor Stephen's memory, donations are appreciated to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Catholic Health Long Island - Good Shepherd Hospice or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.