Dennis William Shannon

Dennis William Shannon, 94, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, September 18, 2026. Born April 13, 1932, to Gladys and Eugene Shannon in Forest Hills, Queens, Dennis grew up in the neighborhood he always considered home.

Dennis attended Our Lady Queen of Martyrs church and All Hallows High School, where he played football, became a speed skater, and discovered his passion for boxing. After high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an electrician and became a Golden Gloves boxer. He fought at the original Madison Square Garden at 135 pounds under the nickname “Diminutive Denny Shannon,” finishing his boxing career with an impressive record of 13 wins and 3 losses.

Following his Navy service, Dennis began a long career with AT&T, from which he eventually retired. He lived in Queens, in Forest Hills, Floral Park, and Long Valley, New Jersey, before retiring to Sarasota and later Venice, Florida.

Dennis loved golf, followed the stock market, cheered for the New York Giants, and eventually learned to appreciate the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But his true sports allegiance belonged to the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He was also a longtime member of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Our Lady of the Mountain in Long Valley, and St. Patrick's in Sarasota.

Above all, Dennis loved his family. He leaves behind his wife, Roberta; his daughter, Kathy, and his “favorite” son-in-law, Kris; and his son, Kevin, and his “favorite” daughter-in-law, Gigi. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Alice, and second wife, Sally.

Dennis adored his grandchildren: Brendan and his fiancée Alina, Kyle and his girlfriend Reilly, and Marine Lt. Ian Hunt, currently stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

For Dennis, some of life's best moments were the simplest ones: family gathered around a dinner table, good food, good wine, and plenty of conversation and laughs.

Dennis lived a long, full life of 94 years. He worked hard, served his country, boxed at Madison Square Garden, had a standing Monday night poker game with friends, followed his teams and investments, enjoyed his golf, loved his family, and never seemed to run short of an opportunity to laugh.

He was, in every sense, a fighter, and he had one hell of a run.

A Visitation for Dennis Shannon will be held Friday, October 2 from 6 PM - 8 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center, 7454 S Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34231.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 3 at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 7900 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34241.

At Dad’s request, in lieu of flowers please make a donation in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.