John Shanley

John Shanley, taught science at Lincoln:

John Edward Shanley

March 11, 1927 - April 4, 2012
SOUTH BEND - John Edward Shanley, 85, went home to be with the Lord on April 4, 2012, surrounded by his family. Born March 11, 1927, in Kewanna, IN, he was the son of the late Kelly and Anna (Hepp) Shanley. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary C. Shanley. On August 20, 1955, John married the love of his life, Nellie "Katie" Walsh, who survives. Also surviving are five children, Patrick Shanley of South Bend, Kevin (Jacqueline) Shanley of West Chester, PA, Mike (Meg) Shanley of Fishers, IN, Ann Shanley of Mentor, OH, and Joe Shanley of Marietta, GA. He is also survived by two sisters, Jo Ellen Krasienko of Huntington, IN, and Georgeann Keith of Bremen; brothers, Bill Shanley of Rensselaer, IN, and Tom Shanley of Kokomo; and 8 grandchildren, Ryan, Allison, Andrea, Jake and Jacquelyn Shanley, and Kelsey, Tori and Tre Lanese. John Shanley served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War from 1952-54. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in biology. He began teaching at Madison Township School, followed by Lincoln Middle School. In 1961 he began his career at John Adams High School, where in 1971 he became Head of the Science Department until his retirement in 1988. He was an extremely passionate teacher, as his students would attest. He had a dream to become a physician after the Army, but instead decided to influence many of his students to become doctors, dentists, nurses and scientists. He was extremely proud of his students' accomplishments. After he retired from John Adams, he taught anatomy and physiology at the IUSB Nursing Program for 13 years. Contradictory as it may seem as a teacher, he was a consummate student, always looking to learn more about the subjects he taught. In retirement, John was very active and generous with his time. He was a fourth degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was an active member and served as Secretary for the St. Meinrad's Monastery annual retreat. He also was an active parishioner at Little Flower Catholic Church. He was a Eucharistic minister and participated on numerous committees. His favorite church event was the annual Corn and Sausage Roast. In addition to his love of teaching, he was an avid fan of Notre Dame. He served as a tour guide at the Basilica the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame. He also volunteered over 1500 hours as a tour guide at the College Football Hall of Fame. He served as an usher at Notre Dame football games. For the past several years he was a docent at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center. For the past 25 years he was a passionate fan of Notre Dame women's basketball, where he was a season ticket holder and usher. During his busy life, John was first and foremost a dedicated husband and father. He taught his children the morals and important life lessons he lived every day. He never had a harsh word for anyone. He relished the little things in life, teaching his grandchildren his favorite vocabulary words, and funny things like making a blade of grass into a musical instrument. He laughed and loved every day. To say he will be missed is a tremendous understatement. Friends may call from 4-8 PM on Monday, April 9, at Little Flower Catholic Church, where a Rosary will be prayed at 6 PM, led by the Knights of Columbus #553 and the Assembly #242. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Little Flower Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Little Flower Church for the Food Pantry. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.McGannHay.com.

Published in South Bend Tribune on April 8, 2012