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BRIAN F. SHANNON

BRIAN SHANNON Obituary

BRIAN F. SHANNON
Brian F. Shannon, devoted husband of Polly and beloved dad of Ali and Mimi, died Sunday, October 13, 2013 in his home after a courageous and dignified battle with cancer. In addition to his wife and daughters, Brian is survived by his loving mother Mary G. Shannon and devoted sisters and brothers, Pat S. Bray, Anne S. Rogers, and Kevin J. and Stephen G. Shannon; a host of wonderful nieces and nephews; and many dearly loved in-laws and friends. His memorial service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, October 19, at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a favorite charity or to the National Hospice Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Oct. 17, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for BRIAN SHANNON

21 Entries

JAE

October 17, 2024

Brian was a classmate of mine in Graduate School at GMU COS. We had very interesting discussion about Geospatial issues and family during class breaks. He was a very insightful classmate who cared a great deal about his family and his work with the DoD. I had hoped to see and talk with him again soon, but found out from his daughter that he had passed not too long after he and I had connected @ GMU CoS. She was kind enough to share information on his Patents which I am eagerly researching -- that will have to suffice until we can play chess and talk all things Geo hopefully again in the not so near future! My deepest condolences to his family and please consider that he lives on through you and his life' work!! Sincerely, JAE ESGS

Pat Bray

October 13, 2020

Seven years after he left us, Brian has a huge presence in our hearts. We have so many fond memories! Mom loves to hear our childhood stories of Brian in his role as our big brother - Remember when Brian . . . We each have a favorite story. . . We laugh, we cry, we shed tears of laughter! Brian is unforgettable!
Thanks for the memories, Brian! With love, Mom and your brothers and sisters

Brian and His Girls - Happy Times

November 16, 2013

Katie Gibson

November 15, 2013

May this flame be your reminder of all the love he has for his girls(Polly, Ali and Mimi).

Much love,

Katie

Brian making a point. So Brian!

Anne Rogers

November 13, 2013

Our Brother

Brian was the first born and our oldest bother. He fully lived up to his name which is Irish, meaning “high” or“noble.” As siblings, he certainly had a huge presence in our lives.

Everything he did was with enthusiastic exuberance! We all had to step it up to keep up and measure up to Brian, but we are all better for it!

He was always up to something with that mischievous grin - We've all seen it!

For our Mom, checking on Brian wasn't as simple as looking out the window. You had to look out, up and down. He could be anywhere!

He had a way of pushing the boundaries, which paved the way for the rest of us for more relaxed rules and curfews. If he wanted something badly enough, he could talk Dad into just about anything with his relentlessness, which wasn't any easy feat!

Pat never knew life without Brian. He taught her many of the natural discoveries of a preschooler playing in the yard. Her first grasshopper, what lives under a rock, what fun can be made from a mud puddle, and looking up into the sky.

Anne did things like climbing trees, swinging on rope swings, sledding on super steep hills, taking chances that she would have never done, without the coaxing and encouragement of Brian! - All the while, never showing her utter fear as to not let him even think that she was a wimpy girl! Praise from Brian was all worth it!

Kevin was often a captive chess player for Brian. After winning a match, Brian always shared his well thought out strategies with Kevin. Later, they became matched opponents!

Steve's greatest gift from Brian was when Brian took him and a friend flying. Steve had confidence in Brian as a pilot, but encouraged him to be as thorough as he always was when he was going through the takeoff check list!
Later in years, we avoided the technical discussions with Brian, it could get lengthy. And yes, he over-engineered things if you let him!

Brian gave us three more gifts, our sister-in-law Polly, and nieces, Ali and Mimi.

He led the way for us in life and now even with his death.

Brian, we love you and we will forever miss you.

Love,
Pat
Anne
Kevin
and
Stephen

Brian making a point - So Brian!

November 13, 2013

Nancy Gardner

November 12, 2013

Dear Polly, Mimi and Alli,
I was a good friend of Brian's at AGC. We ate lunch together for years. It was a privilege to know him as his professionalism was unsurpassed. He spoke often about how he loved you all and I enjoyed listening about his activities at your and his mom's home building the addition and the deck. If you ever want to talk please call (703) 475-6227. He was a great man and I'm proud and glad to have known him.

Brian Shannon in our walnut tree

Pat Bray

October 31, 2013

Brian, my big brother, was brilliant. Being so close in age, we were inseparable in our early years. He shared in all my "firsts" (and I in almost all of his), always exuberant to show me grasshoppers, what's under a rock, how to make fun with mud puddles, the sky. Playing together outdoors, rain or shine, I look back now and realize that the discoveries and adventures he was so passionate about then were the pre-requisites for Civil Engineering 101. His play would become his life's work.

A favorite memory was the first time I climbed the big walnut tree with him. When we were safely cradled in the branches, he said, "Look up!" Only Brian could have shown me that perspective of leaves, branches, tree and sky. Thanks, Brian! I cherish the beauty of nature we shared.

Brian deserves the credit for giving our family a most precious gift, our dog, Rusty, a stray who found cookies at the base of baby Brian's stroller. Rusty and Brian were bonded and even more inseparable than Brian and siblings. Rusty always was a part of our adventures, too. Rusty was the "guardian angel" who watched over all five of the Shannon kids when we were out at play. How special!

Brian made a big difference in the world and in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He truly was a game-changer and the world is a better place because he lived! His patented inventions and bronze DeFleury Medal say it all! Mom is so proud of him (so was Dad), as are all of his family, co-workers in the Army Corps of Engineers and friends.

Thanks for the memories, Brian. I'll look up and know that you are with our Dad, our special uncles and all our loved ones there in peace and happiness. Shine on, Brian!

With love from your sister, Mary Pat

October 28, 2013

Dear Polly,
Thinking of Brian brings a smile to my face because it brings back so many wonderful childhood memories. Brian seemed fearless to me as he climbed trees and explored the beaches in Hampton Bays. His adventurous personality delighted my dad and provided much laughter. They had such a special connection. My dad was so proud of Brian and his career and beautiful family. We were so touched when Brian made the trip to New York for my dad's wake and funeral. We know that was a tremendous sacrifice during such a trying time.
Our prayers are with you.
Susan Shannon

Rosemarie

October 26, 2013

Brian was my cousin.
He is with his Dad now. In God's hands – in no more pain. He was a courageous man – he lived the last several months with great dignity. The story of Brian going fishing a few weeks ago touched my heart – that's the picture I see in my head now when I think of Brian –- Brian in a boat, out on the water, fishing, breathing the fresh air with a smile on his face... Polly, you and the girls are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.

kathleen szypula

October 25, 2013

Polly, Brian was surely a family favorite.
My Dad and Uncle Ray simply adored him. I could tell by the laughing and smile on my Dad's face when he was on the phone with Brian. Those two, definitely, had a connection!

It was so difficult to have to tell my Dad about Brian's cancer. He dreaded making that phone call to Brian. He didn't know what to say; yet, a few minutes into the conversation he was laughing . I expected him to be depressed when he got off the phone but he smiled and said "what a character!"

I can't express what it meant to have had Brian make that trip to my Dad's funeral. And it comforts me to picture these "characters" together in heaven. I'm sure he had quite a welcome!

My thoughts are with you and your girls and, of course, my Aunt Mary and my cousins on the loss of someone so dear to you all. I can only imagine how much you miss him

Collin Rogers

October 25, 2013

Brian was my uncle, my mom's Big Brother. Growing up I always remembered Brian telling a story, I can remember just sitting around on Thanksgiving and listening to Brian tell all of us stories about his work and the places he's been because of it. He always had everyone's attention. I'll miss his stories, his sense of humor and Brian walking into my parent's home on Thanksgiving with his 3 girls.

Jim Shine

October 23, 2013

I worked with Brian at TEC and AGC. He was a great guy, I am saddened by his death. My condolences; may the pain pass and the good memories remain.

Annie Snead

October 20, 2013

Dear Polly & family;
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Brain. He was a great guy and always talked about you and the girls. I pray God will strengthen you in the days to come. I worked at TEC now AGC until 2009 when I retired and our office was next to each other. Everyday we would chat about something(old cars etc). With deepest sympathy.

October 20, 2013

Dear Polly and girls,
I didn't know Brian but I am good friends with Brian's mother. I learned what a wonderful man he was through conversations with her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary Ann Schmitt

October 18, 2013

Dear Polly and family,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Brian was a great friend and colleague as member of the Norfolk District Corps of Engineers before you moved to northern VA. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Richard Klein

October 18, 2013

Polly,

Was so sad to read of Brian's passing. I want you to know how much I enjoyed seeing him, you and the girls at the AGC Picnic this summer. Brian was a hard-working guy, but he always stopped by the front office to talk with me and loved to update me on how you and the girls were doing. I know he will greatly missed at AGC.
Prior commitments will keep from his service on Saturday, but know that you and the girls are in our prayers

Charlotte and Bill Bell

Janice Daue Walker

October 17, 2013

Dear Polly & family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Brian was a great guy and will be missed! I wish we could have been there more for you! Would love to see you again soon. With much love and sympathy!

Kathy Hait

October 17, 2013

Polly --I can't express how sorry I am. I wish I could be there Saturday. My thoughts and prayers are with you now, and will be in days to come.

Jennifer Little

October 17, 2013

Dear Polly and family,

I am so sorry to bear about Brian's passing and my heart goes out to you during this most difficult time. My prayers are with you and all of your family.

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