Frank J. Shannon

Frank J. Shannon of Kinderhook, New York, passed away at home on June 30.

Born February 27, 1936, in New York City, Frank was the son of the late Frank P. Shannon and the late Margaret (Bohn) Shannon, formerly of Neversink and Woodbourne.

Frank leaves behind his devoted wife of 40 years Barbara “Bonnie” Shannon. He is survived by his sons Frank T. Shannon of Chatham, New York and Michael P. Shannon (Chris Davis) of Cheverly, Maryland. Frank is survived by his dear sister Margaret “Peggy” Shannon Dill, formerly of Woodbourne, his nephew Michael (Vernae) Dill, and nieces Connie (Ricky) Dill Greenspan and Diane Dill. He leaves behind his beloved granddaughter Zoey Shannon. He is also survived by his stepchildren Christopher (Debra) Jones and LeeAnne (Jim Kelly) Jones, grandchildren Jessica, Zack and Nikki and four great-grandchildren.

Frank grew up in Neversink and Grahamsville, where his father was a policeman for the NYC Board of Water Supply. He was a proud member of the Tri-Valley Class of 1954 who gathered annually to celebrate their friendship. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State College for Teachers (now University at Albany), he accepted a teaching position at Chatham Central School. In 1961, he was awarded a National Science Foundation Grant and received his Master’s degree from Temple University. He had a long and distinguished career teaching physics at Chatham High School until his retirement in 1991.

In retirement Frank turned his attention to his skills as a carpenter and his life-long interest in all things mechanical. He was an avid collector of vintage toys, model race cars, and trains. He also pursued his interest in the history of Sullivan County, collecting postcards of the lower Catskill towns lost to the building of the New York City Reservoir System and shared this interest with his dear friend, the late Ginny (Caldwell) Bishop. He contributed images of his postcards of the lost towns to the kiosks at the reservoirs. He remained a faithful reader of the Sullivan County Democrat and was a member of the Sullivan County Historical Society and The Time and the Valleys Museum.

In accordance with Frank’s wishes there will be no services, but the family will gather at a later time to celebrate his life. If you wish to remember him, a memorial donation to Time and the Valleys Museum, 332 Main Street, Grahamsville, NY 12740 would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements respectfully provided by Wenk Funeral Home, Chatham NY. For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com.