William J. Shannon

William (Bill) John Shannon of Rockford, Illinois passed away December 5,
2024 at Alden Park Strathmoor in Rockford, Illinois. He was born July 11,
1934 in Rutland, Vermont to Marguerite N. Sullivan and Walter J. Shannon
of Pittsford, Vermont.
Bill grew up in a small town in Pittsford, Vermont. He attended Pittsford
Barstow High School. He was a communicant of St. Alphonsus Catholic
Church and served as an altar boy well into his teenage years. He was also
a member of the Knights of Columbus at Holy Family church in Rockford,
Illinois.
During his high school days, he was a great basketball player known as
“Shamrock Shannon” to the fans and local newspapers.  One memorable
game, he had cut his hand very badly at his part time job at the town
grocery store. When the big basketball game against the rival team was
about to take place, with his hand sutured and dressed, Shamrock
Shannon was in the game and didn’t disappoint the fans and newspapers
with a big win.
Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he moved to
Chicago where he met his wife Phyllis.
When in Chicago, Bill began attending Cubs games at Wrigley Field and
became a loyal Cubs fan.  He looked forward to attending games to not
only cheer on his team but to also enjoy the many longtime friendships of
Cubs fans in the Bleachers.  He always brought a scorecard and completed
them, except for that “rare game” when the Cubs would be losing. Bill had
the cherished experience of throwing out the first pitch at one of the games
about 12 years ago.  He was one of five fans that day who pitched to a
designated pitcher.  Bill asked if he could pitch to the starting pitcher,
Randy Wells, but was told it would not be possible.  Cub’s owner, Tom
Rickets, happened to be standing on the field that day and agreed to have
Bill throw out the first pitch to Randy Wells.  It was a very special day for
Bill with many memorable photos taken of the day.  To also see his Cubs
win the World Series in 2016 after 108 years was a dream come true.   
When Bill moved to Rockford, Illinois for an employment opportunity at
Ingersoll Milling Machine Co., he adopted Rockford as his home, taking on
key leadership roles for his employer, his church, and his broader
community.  

Bill became active in local politics as the Finance Chair for Congressman
Don Manzullo’s Campaign, helping the Congressman to victory in the
general election. 
Later, Bill supported a young Rockford attorney, Larry Morrissey, as he
explored his political aspirations. Bill first met Larry when he coached him
and son, Tim, on their championship little league baseball team in 1978. Bill
continued his mentoring of Morrissey as his Finance Committee Chairman,
helping Morrissey to an unlikely victory and becoming Rockford’s first
independent mayor in 2005. Bill went on to help Morrissey win re-election
in 2009 and 2013. More than just a wise political confidant, however, Bill
was a passionate and loyal friend.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis Cacioppo Shannon of Rockford, Illinois
and his son Timothy Shannon of Chicago, Illinois. He is also survived by his
sister Mary and her husband Charles Zakreski of Port St. Lucie, Florida,
sister Ann Sherry of Glastonbury, Connecticut, brother Robert Shannon of
Champlain, New York and sister-in-law Anne Shannon of Pittsford, Vermont
and many nieces and nephews.
 In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers John and
Edward Shannon both of Pittsford, Vermont.
Burial will be in the Spring.
Please consider making a donation to the Cancer Society, or a charity of
your choice.

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