Martin Francis Shannon

Martin Francis Shannon Martin Shannon, age 72, passed away peacefully on January 18, with his family by his side. Martin was an honorable man who was truly devoted to family and friends. No one was a stranger to Martin. He opened his home and his heart to everyone. He was born in Wilmington on September 30, 1939. He graduated from Alexis I. DuPont High School in 1958 and Temple University in 1968, with a degree in Architectural Design. Martin began the most significant part of his career in 1970, as an Architect at Homsey Architects, Inc., in Wilmington. He retired in 2001, as Vice President and Partner, and continued to be a consultant for the firm until 2003. Martin was a member of the Delaware Board of Directors for the American Institute of Architects from 1996–2002, and he was one of four AIA members responsible for establishing the Delaware Architectural Foundation. From 2001– 2004, Martin was the Board Architect for the Town of Odessa’s Historic Commission. Martin valued community service. He devoted 19 years to the Western YMCA Board of Managers (1981-2000), where he chaired the Facilities Committee and was a member of the International Committee. He greatly enjoyed the time he spent helping the people of East Germany establish YMCAs after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and in 1999, he was recognized as Adult Volunteer of the Year. In addition, beginning in 1985, Martin enjoyed 10 years of service as an American Red Cross Board Member and Chairman of Facilities. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Janice Shannon of Newark; his son, Martin Shannon, Jr., (wife Sheila) of Smyrna; his daughters, Susan Carder of Ellicott City, MD and Monica Mills (husband Dan) of Middletown; and his brother Robert Shannon, (wife Philomena) of Hockessin. He will be especially missed by his 10 loving grandchildren: Lorne Shannon; Ryan, Brock and Evan Carder; Howie and Kelly Halverson; and Danny, Jaden, Gabrielle and McKenzy Mills; and other beloved relatives including Bernice, Fred and Donna Paoletti, Dora Lilly, Robin and Charlie Kist and numerous nieces and nephews. Martin is predeceased by his parents, Charles Martin Shannon and Frances Millicent Weldin, of Wilmington. Martin's legacy outside of the family is his beautiful artwork. A visitation for family and friends will be held on January 23, 2012 from 1:30 – 3:00 PM, in the Strano & Feeley Funeral Home, 635 Churchman’s Road, Newark followed by a service in celebration of Martin’s life at 3 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a contribution in Martin’s name to a charitable organization that inspires you. Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home 302-731-5459

Martin Francis Shannon

September 30, 1939 - January 18, 2012

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services