Parker John Shanahan

June 12, 1964 – April 13, 2026

Parker John Shanahan, Jr., 61, of Raleigh, NC, passed away unexpectedly on April 13, 2026, due to a rare complication from a routine medical procedure. Parker was born in Boston and grew up in New England. He was a 1982 graduate of Acton-Boxborough Regional High School and earned his business degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1986.

Parker was a master of the "to-do list" and a man who truly got things done. Parker turned his passion for craftsmanship into a lifelong career in fine home building. After honing his trade in Cape Cod and Boston, he moved to Raleigh and worked for Rufty Homes starting in 1995 for 31 years. To Parker, building was more than construction; it was an art form. He had a creative genius which allowed him to take almost any mixture of raw materials and turn them into useful works of art. He created fish tanks from old water bottles, crafted old plywood into wonderful children’s beds in the form of castles and trains, and built extraordinary homes for his family and clients.

Parker was a man of vibrant energy, specific tastes and lively humor. An early riser and a fast walker, he could often be found with a high-quality cup of coffee in hand, planning his next mountain bike ride or spreading vast quantities of compost around his garden. He had a keen interest in cars, boats, cooking, and Cape Cod.

Above all, Parker was defined by his devotion to those he loved. Parker was a natural caregiver. After losing his father as a young adult, he became a role model for his younger brother, Mark, a role which he would reprise as a husband and father. Parker was a dedicated, loving father to Tate, Caitlyn, and Grace. He enriched his children’s lives with warmth, laughter, and fun, while also instilling in each of them a resolve to grow into productive, self-reliant young adults.

Parker was a steadfast friend, appearing when most needed, filling any space with his light, humor and love. Parker’s character was most profoundly revealed in the singular patience and selflessness he showed as a caregiver for his late wife, Jill. Parker learned everything that he could about leukemia, provided the day-to-day care needed, took Jill to endless medical appointments, administered complex medications, provided strength and positivity, and held her through the most trying of times. He lost Jill in the spring of 2025. His heart was always with her.

Parker is predeceased by his parents, Marilyn and Parker Shanahan, and his wife, Jill Westmoreland.

Parker is survived by his children, Tate and Caitlyn Shanahan, and Grace Westmoreland; his brother, Mark and his wife Jill Shanahan and their children Mark Jr, Allyson, and John; Sherry Freeman, mother of Tate and Caitlyn; his sister-in-law Susan Westmoreland and her husband Andrew Schiller, and their children Max and Sarah; his mother-in-law Roz Westmoreland, along with a large community of friends who will forever remember his capability, his artistry, and his heart.

A celebration of Parker’s life will be held

Wednesday, April 22nd, 5:30pm at

Morris Peaceland Farm 4200 Graham Newton Road

Raleigh, NC

All who knew and loved Parker are warmly invited to attend a ceremony followed by food and refreshments as we gather to share memories and celebrate his life.

Guests are encouraged to wear colorful attire in honor of Parker.

For those unable to attend the service in-person we invite you to watch online via zoom. The zoom room will open from 5:00pm with the service commencing at 6:00pm.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9508188258?pwd=185vLPDJbhbdhbHiX9ps8x6HwYR4Pz.1&omn=78130754388

Zoom ID: 950 818 8258

Zoom Passcode: Parker

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Parker’s memory to the Caring Community Foundation, which supports individuals undergoing cancer treatment by helping meet essential needs so they may focus on healing and recovery, or to EcoForesters, which works to protect and restore forests through sustainable forestry practices, conservation, and education.

https://www.caringcommunityfoundation.org

https://www.ecoforesters.org

We love you, Parker. You will be dearly missed and remembered always