Philip Joseph Shannon

Philip Joseph Shannon, 85, Born in Norwich on February 15, 1918, the son of the late Joseph M. and Mary (Sherer) Shannon, husband of Cresencia (Calingo) Shannon, lifelong resident of Norwich, retired toolmaker, and respected figure in local and state politics for more than 45 years, died Monday evening, (November 10, 2003) at Backus Hospital. 

Phil owned the Norwich Machine and Tool Co. with his brother Paul, and worked as a toolmaker until 1981. Upon retiring, he worked for ten years as the Governor's Representative in Southeastern Connecticut, helping constituents understand and benefit from the governmental process. His passion for this position was recognized by all those he helped. Of all the community and government positions he held, this was the position that best took advantage of his desire to interact with people at the human level. 

Following his tenure in the Governor's office, he enjoyed traveling to such places as Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Scandinavia. One of his most favorite gathering places for enjoying family and friends, was his cottage at Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, RI, where his love of story telling and riding the surf was passed on to a new generation. 

Phil's public career began in the 1950's with his involvement in the PTA and the naming of the Greenville School. This interest in public education stayed with him throughout his career, most notably as a Board of Education member and later serving as Chairman. He was elected as a Norwich alderman in 1960, and served for two terms. For the next 40 years, Phil served in numerous capacities at the local and state level, most notably Democratic Town Chairman, supporting efforts and candidates who worked to improve the Norwich economy. The best example of Phil's advocacy for the Norwich taxpayer was his involvment in the successful effort to keep the Department of Public Utilities a Norwich owned utility. 

Phil also served on varied local and state boards and commissions including Democratic State Central Committeeman, Southeastern CT Water Authority, Navy Federal Credit Union, Norwich Charter Revision Committee, and the Norwich Housing Authority. He was also a member of the Hibernians, and the Knights of Columbus. 

On November 28, 1940, he was united in marriage to Stella (Frankoff) Shannon, who died April 19, 1999. He was then united in marriage to Cresencia (Calingo) Shannon on November 16, 2002, who survives along with his four children, Stephanie Immel and her husband, Dale of Lorton, VA, Patricia Hinchey of Vernon, Jeanne Shannon of Norwich, and Joseph M. Shannon of Sandwich, MA; six grandchildren, Jonathan Hull, Jody McCabe, Christopher and Brendan Hinchey, Catherine Shannon and Lacy Shannon; and three great grandchildren. Also a sister-in-law, Jean Murphy of South Windsor; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is a step son, Alex Rodriguez of Gales Ferry; three step daughters, Joji Dijamco of Florida, Nini Devera of San Francisco, and Geni Yatco of Canada; and nine step grandchildren. The youngest of six, he was predeceased by his siblings, John, Paul, William, and Mary Shannon, and Elizabeth Marks. 

Visitation 4-7 p.m. Thursday, at the Labenski Funeral Home, 107 Boswell Ave., Norwich, where the funeral will assemble on Friday at 8 a.m., and proceed to a Mass of Christian Burial at Sts. Peter and Paul Church at 9 a.m. Interment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to either Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 181 Elizabeth St., Norwich, CT 06360 or to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1648 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335.

Published in Hartford Courant on Nov. 13, 2003.