Artist, poet, musician and educator, Joseph George Shannon, left this earth on April 27, 2023 after nearly 96 years engaged in the joys of classical music, fine art, devoted friendships and the inspiration of nature.
Born to George and Anne Hawelka Shannon, Joe grew up in New York City and Mt. Vernon, N.Y. He attended the Art Students League of New York and Pratt Institute, ultimately receiving his bachelor’s degree in music composition from The Juilliard School, and an Ed.D and Ph.D. from Columbia University, also in composition. He was a classically trained pianist, composed operas and symphonic pieces, and performed at Juilliard, Carnegie Hall and Times Hall, among other venues. His early career was as a graphic designer; he served as an art and design consultant for a wide variety of corporations and industries including record companies (Angel Records, RKO Records, Sesac Records), fashion retailers (Burlington Mills, Polly Bergen Fashions, Gimbels, B Altman) and others (Coca-Cola Inc., Phillips International, CBS Publishing). He worked with Maria Callas and designed one of her album covers.
Aside from his musical talents and graphics background, Joe was a gifted fine artist. His artwork has been exhibited in various venues in this country and Europe and is held in corporate and private collections in the U.S. as well as Tokyo, London, Paris and Montreal. He was the recipient of various awards, grants and fellowships in connection with his work. He went on to hold faculty positions in the art departments at SUNY Farmingdale, the High School of Art and Design (N.Y.), Columbia University, Rowan University (then Glassboro State College), and The College of New Jersey (then Trenton State), from which he retired after 20 years of service.
After retirement and for the remainder of his long life, Joe continued to produce art and enjoyed the company of good friends, the beauty of woodlands, classical music and his devoted canine companions. He was an accomplished poet and prose writer, strong in his opinions and generous with those he cared about. He was a proud Army veteran, humble about his accomplishments and a consummate gentleman.
Aside from his parents, Joe is predeceased by his beloved sister, Gloria Shannon Falk. Joe is survived by a group of close friends and the many students he taught, advised and mentored during his career.
Interment with military honors will be held at the Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the care of Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York St., Lambertville, NJ 08530.
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