James Jim Edward Shanahan

James “Jim” Edward Shanahan, 71, of East Hartford, loving husband of Merle (Sleter) Adler Shanahan, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Born in Rutland, VT on January 7, 1940, a son of the late James J. and Frieda M. (Colvin) Shanahan, he had been a resident of East Hartford for most of his life. Jim was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of the VFW Post #648, Rutland, VT, American Legion Post #8, Hartford, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Chapter #3801,Vergennes, VT. Jim was a Police Officer for the town of East Hartford where he retired after 30 years of dedicated service. He was a life-member of the Patrolmen’s & Firemen’s Association of East Hartford, and a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose-Chapter #1470, East Hartford. Jim enjoyed playing the card game “set-back”, horseshoes, wii bowling, and golf. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, New York Mets, and NASCAR racing, especially Tony Stewart. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Karen C. Shanahan of Poquonock, and a granddaughter, Savannah M. Cyr of Ellington. Along with his beloved wife, Merle, he is survived by two daughters, Kathleen A. Shanahan-Mulero and her husband, Ruben, of Wethersfield, Susan M. Cyr of Newington; two sons, Patrick J. Shanahan of East Hartford, Sean J. Shanahan of Windsor Locks; four grandchildren, Travis Cyr of Newington, Justin Shanahan of Poquonock, Noah Carrasco of Newington, and Rilee Breton of Windsor Locks. He also leaves four brothers, Jack Shanahan and his wife, Fe, of Enfield, Michael Shanahan and his wife, Katherine, Carl Shanahan, Thomas Shanahan and his wife, Katheryn, all of Rutland, VT; two sisters, Peggy Belch and her husband, Roger, of Beverly Hills, FL, Mary Denardo and her husband, Nick, of Rutland, VT; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services will be Saturday (January 7th) at 10 am at the D’Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial with military honors will follow at Veterans Memorial Field-Silver Lane Cemetery, East Hartford. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home chapel on Friday (January 6th) from 4-7 pm. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to the E.H.P.& F. Association, 93 Dower Road, South Windsor, CT 06074. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.