Robert "Mick" E Shanahan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Mickey” Shanahan, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who passed peacefully at home on the morning of February 7, 2025, at the age of 91.

Mick was born March 9, 1933, in Hartford, Connecticut to the late Charles and Alice (Evans) Shanahan. He was a graduate of John Fitch High School in Windsor, Connecticut, class of 1951. Following high school, Mick proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Mick was an immensely gifted craftsman and builder spending most of his career as a carpenter. He built many homes in the greater Hartford area and volunteered his talents to help build a playscape at the Poquonock School and many structures at Welch Park for Windsor’s Little League program. Mick’s most treasured build was their home in Marlow, New Hampshire, where he and his wife Norma enjoyed their retirement years. Mick grew up with a passion for nature, spending countless hours exploring the woods, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. Mick’s love of the outdoors was infectious, he was a man who lived life to the fullest and valued the simple pleasures of life; a satisfying meal, a cold beer, smoking a cigar, time with friends and family and the love of a faithful dog. A devoted family man, Mick was a loving husband, a strict but fair, fun-loving father, instilling the values of hard work, honesty, respect, and the importance of helping others in his children.

Mick had a gift for storytelling, quick wit and an endless sense of humor, captivating audiences with tales of his adventures camping on the beaches of Rhode Island in his Dodge Camper, “The Rapid Rickshaw,” flying his Piper Cub, bird hunting with his beloved Irish Setters (Old Rusty and Fanny), and endless hunting and fishing tales, like when he caught a “world-record” 83-pound, Striped Bass. Whether sitting by a fire or at the family dinner table, his stories brought joy and laughter to all who listened. His ability to weave a tale was unmatched, and his legacy of storytelling will live on through his family.

Mick is survived by his two children, Charles Shanahan and his wife Brandy of Acworth, NH and Julie Field and her husband Ryan of Windsor, CT; his grandchildren, Rebekah and Sweet Emma Shanahan and Sophie Field. He is also survived by his brother Charles Shanahan and sister Susan Shykula and her husband Paul, along with several nieces and nephews.

Mick was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 54 years, Norma (Fregeau) Shanahan, his sisters Betty Mooney, Laura DiDomenico, Dorothy Pizzoferrato, Alice Tralli and his brothers James Shanahan and Carl Shanahan. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched.

The family would like to offer their immense gratitude to Mick’s neighbors Rick and Liz Davis for their time, help and dedication to Mick and Norma through the years and especially for their unconditional and incredible care of Mick over the past year. We also give special thanks to Mick’s Hospice care team for their compassion and comfort in his final days.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Mick’s life on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at La Notte Waterside Grille, 1936 Blue Hills Ave Ext, Windsor, CT 06095. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mick’s memory to The Nature Conservancy https://www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/other-ways-to-give/honor-and-tribute-giving/

The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.