J. Robert "Bob" Shanks

Bob was born and raised in West Baltimore and spent his boyhood summers at Camp Milburn on Corn Creek in Anne Arundel County. His time spent at camp served as the foundation for his love of swimming and the water. In 1948, he proudly graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and was the primary contact for the many class reunions he organized over the years. He held his Poly years very close to his heart!

After graduation and a brief sailing excursion to Florida, Bob began his lifetime career with the “Phone Company”. Starting off as a cable splicer and working his way up the ranks he soon transitioned into a very successful run in the Marketing Department handling some of their largest customers and was ultimately promoted to various sales and marketing management positions. After retiring, Bob began a second career as a consultant in the telecommunications field and enjoyed great success at that.

Most importantly, Bob was a completely devoted family man and friend. No request for his help was too big or too small. He was always there and with a smile on his face. Although he did many, many good deeds he never spoke of them after the fact. (He was also a class act!)

Perhaps the most important event to happen for Bob was a chance encounter on a Sunday morning in Ocean City where he just happened to meet the love of his life, Rose Amelia both were only 18 years old. Within a year, these two lovebirds were married and soon thereafter were blessed with a daughter, Debbie, the first of their four children. Bob’s love for Rose only grew stronger over the years as did hers for him. It was not unusual to find the two of them singing love songs to one another.

Surviving is his loving wife Rose Amelia. They enjoyed 73 years of love, laughter, and wonderful times with family and friends. Their home was warm, happy and welcoming.

Together they share four beloved children, Deborah Shahan (Michael), John Robert Shanks, Jr (Ann), Julie Ostheller (Todd), and Luke Shanks (former spouse Tammie).

Cherished grandchildren, Carrie MacPhee (Greg), Benjamin Shanks (Kate), Luke Shanks, A J Shanks (Elizabeth), Greta Kodan (Daniel), Maximilian Ostheller (Valerie), and Patrick Shahan ( Alessandra).

Adored great-grandchildren, Cheyane and Hayden Shanks, Ian, Gabriel, and Alexander MacPhee, Jack and Teddy Shanks, Quinn and Pierce Kodan, and Orland Ostheller.

He was greeted in heaven by his parents, Clarence and Freda Shanks, grandson Jack Shanks, daughter-in-law Bonny Balderson Shanks, and son-in-law (Godson) Todd E. Ostheller.

Bob’s life will be celebrated at the Chapel of the Oak Crest Retirement Community, 8800 Walther Blvd, Parkville, MD 21234 on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be directed in Bob’s memory to The Salvation Army of Central Maryland, 814 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21230.