Walter L. Shanahan, Jr.

Walter L. Shanahan, Jr, died on November 19, 2021 at the age of 92.  He was born in Pittsburgh in 1928, son of Walter L. Shanahan and Colette Phelan.  He was married for 56 glorious years to Ann Byrnes Shanahan, who died in 2012. 

Their union brought six wonderful daughters Susan (Sam) Davis; Carol (Greg) Dale; Linda; Colette (Bill) Fike; Maureen and Sarah.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Graham and Claire Davis and sisters Denny McCarthy (John) and Connie Donnelly (the late Frank).  He was also “Uncle Ace” to many nieces and nephews.

Walter attended Shadyside Academy and graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy.  He attended the University of Pittsburgh until entering his family business, Shanahan Transfer and Storage Co.  His career was interrupted when he was inducted into the Army during the Korean War.  Upon discharge, he returned to work in the family business until he sold the company in 1975. During this era, Walter was elected as President and Chairman of the Board of Mayflower Warehousemen’s Association, a trade association of Mayflower agents. 

Walter worked for Bekins Van Lines as the Branch Manager in Falls Church, VA, from which he was recruited by Mayflower Transit, Inc. to be Vice President of the Eastern Zone.  Soon after, he was promoted to Vice President, Agency Development and Sales.  His family relocated to corporate headquarters in Carmel, IN.

He was a patriot, a writer of witty postcards, an ardent fan of thoroughbred racing, a true gentleman and a wonderful Dad. He was an honest man, who always left things better than he found them. Friends will be received on Friday, November 26 from 3-6 pm at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. (freyvogelfuneralhome.com) 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street. Funeral Saturday November 27, Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:00 a.m., St. Mary Magdalene Parish, St. Bede Church, 509 S. Dallas Avenue. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, Walter’s favorite charity was Little Sisters of the Poor, 2345 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Walter L. Shanahan, Jr., please visit our floral store.