Raymond Earl Shanahan, 93, of Valley Lee, MD, passed away on June 1, 2026 at Hospice House of St. Mary’s in Callaway, MD.
He was born December 20, 1932 in Washington, DC, to the late Raymond Frances and Helena Canter Shanahan.
Ray is a graduate of George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA. On November 1, 1952, he married his beloved wife, Margaret Ann Shanahan, in Alexandria, VA. Together they celebrated over 64 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in April 2017. On March 17, 1953, Ray enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country until his Honorable Discharge on March 3, 1955 as a Private Second Class. During his service, he was stationed near Paris, France, and enjoyed touring the country in his free-time and fencing on his unit’s team. During his service, he earned the National Defense Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After a stint laying floors and working for the RF&P railroad, Raymond joined the Alexandria Fire Department, which he retired from. Afterwards, he worked at the National Geographic Society where his wife, Margaret, and her cousin, Buddy Hitt, also worked. Over the years, he freelanced as a house painter to provide for his family. Ray and Margaret retired in Valley Lee, MD to be near family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He took great pride in his home. He also enjoyed talking politics, golfing, hitting balls on the driving range, and riding his Harley Sportster. He was an excellent cook with a family favorite being eggplant parmesan, chili, and oyster stew. As a “jack-of-all-trades,” he could fix just about anything. He and Margaret spent two weeks in Sarasota, FL, every summer, where they enjoyed spending time with their son at the beach.
Ray is survived by his son, Raymond C. Shanahan (Geneva) of Leonardtown, MD, his grandson, Justin Shanahan (Neena) and his great-grandsons, Carl and Mack Shanahan, of Beltsville, MD, step-granddaughter, Kressha Sprung; step-great grandson, Jacobb Francisco; and his wife’s niece, Beverly Kerig (James) of Valley Lee, MD. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sister, Lois Taylor (Robert).
Family will receive friends on Saturday, June 6, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service celebrated at 12:00 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Interment will be private.
Condolences to the family may be left at www.brinsfieldsfuneral.com.
Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.
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