Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Joseph Gary Shannon, who left us on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on February 5, 1952, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Gary was the son of the late Robert and Alida (Lavigne) Shannon.
Gary lived a simple yet deeply meaningful life, one filled with laughter, love, and devotion to those around him. A natural jokester, he had a gift for making others smile and brightening any room he entered. Above all else, Gary cherished his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest joy came from the time he spent with those he loved.
Twenty-seven years ago, he married the love of his life, Donna, though their love story spanned more than 41 wonderful years together. Side by side, they built a beautiful life grounded in love, loyalty, and shared memories.
Throughout his working years, Gary held various positions, including working with Patterson Dental, where he installed dental equipment. Never one to sit still, even after retirement he continued to stay active, working as a driver for NAPA Auto Parts.
Gary had a lifelong passion for sports. He loved playing and watching baseball and, over the years, played every position on the field, as well as coaching and umpiring. He was also an avid bowler and a dedicated hockey fan; he loved being invited to watch his grandchildren playing sports. He was, without question, their biggest supporter. In quieter moments, Gary could often be found enjoying his cherished Archie comic book collection—one of his many simple pleasures.
Gary will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Donna Shannon (Edwards); his sons, Scott Shannon (Angela), Mark Shannon (Nikki), Scott Lowther (Elizabeth), and Allen Lowther; his daughters, Natalie Shannon (Matt Haley) and Christine Corkum; and his treasured grandchildren, Michael James (Brittany), Cody Shannon (Jessica), Kara Earle (Ryan), Brianna Hamilton (Mike), Michael Lowther (Georgia), Madyson Shannon, Annika Shannon, Bailey Lowther, Justin Shannon, Ben Shannon, Marissa Shannon, Shailyn McCann (Jessie), and Shanice Doucette (Austin). He also leaves behind 15 great-grandchildren, as well as his special girl and faithful canine companion, Storm.
He is also survived by his siblings, David Shannon (Charlene) and Lynn Furness (Tony); his brothers-in-law, Tony Edwards (Kim) and Eldon O’Connor; and his sisters-in-law, Debbie Shannon, Nancy Arnburg (Art), Judy Edwards (Ernest), and Michelle Edwards (Lee).
In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by his granddaughter, Kelsey Martin; his brother Peter Shannon, his son-in-law, Steven Corkum; his brother-in-law, Pebby Edwards; and his sisters-in-law, Joan Stone and Diane O’Connor.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, New Brunswick. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service in the Fundy Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Gary loved all sports, but his favourite teams were the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Blue Jays. In his memory, feel free to wear your favourite sports shirt or jersey on Monday.
Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
For those unable to attend, please click here to view the livestreaming.
Gary’s laughter, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will be forever remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Canadian Cancer Society
55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto ON M4V 2Y7
Tel: 1-800-268-8874
Web: http://www.cancer.ca
Contact:
Heart & Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick
580 Main Street, Suite B210, Saint John NB E2K 1J5
Tel: 1-506-634-1620
Email: heart.stroke@hsf.nb.ca
Web: http://www.heartandstrokenb.ca/