Dr. Robert M. Shannon

Robert Myrth Shannon was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 25, 1950 to Stephen and Jessie Shannon. He was the second of four children. He attended Olney High School in the School District of Philadelphia, where he graduated with honors. He was a member of the Olney High School Concert Choir, Theater Club, All City Boys Choir and Spanish Club. He received a varsity letter in Cross-Country Track and was initiated into La Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (The Honorary Hispanic Society) for excellence in Spanish language during his senior year. Bob attended La Salle College on a School District of Philadelphia scholarship, receiving a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Spanish Education. At La Salle College, he was inducted into La Sociedad Nacional Hispanica, Sigma Delta Pi Chapter. During his sophomore year, Bob attended The New York University Study Abroad Program at The University of Madrid in Spain. At graduation from La Salle College, he received the Spanish Award for Excellence. As a Ford Foundation Fellow, he attended Bryn Mawr College on full scholarship. Here he earned a Master of Arts Degree and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Spanish. His published dissertation, Lope de Vega: Visions of the New World, established Bob as a leading scholar in Peninsular Spanish Drama of the 16th and 17th Centuries. He was the author of numerous articles and books on the subject. In the early 1970's Bob was employed by the School District of Philadelphia. At Birney Elementary School in the Olney Section, he taught English as a Second Language to Southeast Asian students for nine years. After completing his doctoral studies, he taught at St. Joseph's University for 28 years as an Associate Professor of Spanish Language and Literature. He served as Department Chair for six years. He was enrolled into the Jesuit Honor Society in recognition of his work in social justice. His service learning students participated in assisting the Spanish-speaking population in Camden, New Jersey. Bob was a member of the following professional organizations: Modern Language Association (MLA), American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), Modern Language Association of Philadelphia and Vicinity (MLAPV), and the Philadelphia Area Spanish Educators (PASE). The PASE organization recognized his distinguished teaching career and honored him as its Teacher of the Year. Bob's community service included: meal delivery for Manna; Big Brothers of America; voter registration campaigns; a friend and counselor to numerous individuals in recovering from addiction. In Bob's leisure time, he enjoyed playing the flute, writing poetry, composing music, reading, gardening and traveling. He loved the performing arts, especially orchestral music and local theater. Bob's family members are: Daniel Lavner, husband; Michael and Carrol Shannon, brother and sister-in-law; Sandra Shannon, sister; Gregory and Leslie, brother and sister-in-law; nieces: Courtney Billinsley and husband, Dante, Stephanie Shannon, Dominique Shannon; nephew: Gregory Shannon, Jr.; cousins: Carol Shannon, Stanley Shannon, Michelle Shannon-Metellius and husband, John, Rita Shannon, aunt; Lucille Lavner, mother-in-law; Samuel and Maryanne Lavner, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Joanne Lavner, sister-in-law. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Bob's memorial service on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 11:00 am at the Washington Memorial Chapel, Rt. 23, Valley Forge Park, with the Rev. Dr. Karl Krueger. Inurnment will follow in the Washington Memorial Chapel Churchyard. Friends will be received from 10:00 am - 11:00 am in the Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to Saint Joseph's University, Service Learning Program, 5600 City Ave., Phila., PA 19131. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Dr. Robert M. Shannon

September 25, 1950 - May 27, 2018