William F. (Bill) Shahan

On December 24, 2013, William (Bill) F. Shahan, Jr., age 51, passed away surrounded by family and friends.  Bill was born on May 14, 1962 to William F. Shahan, Sr. and Charlotte Vaughn Shahan in Wilmington, DE.  Bill was predeceased by his father.  Bill is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Kimberly M. Shahan and by his three daughters Kathleen, Sarah and Cynthia. He is survived by one son, William Robert,  five grandchildren and eleven nieces and nephews.  His sister, Catherine Bennett, also resides in Wilmington, DE.  An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed hunting and surf fishing, interests he shared with his daughter Cynthia and grandchildren Cameron and Casidi.  His daughter Kathleen inherited her father’s gentle nature and Sarah his artistic abilities.  Bill believed his grandson, Jake, was an outdoorsman in the making.  They spent  endless hours together in the Shahan Lodge.  The births of granddaughters Ava in November and Marli  just days prior to Bill’s passing were events that Bill was actively celebrating.  Throughout his life, Bill demonstrated to his family and friends the importance of giving to others. Whether he was fundraising for youth league sports equipment, organizing a food drive to feed the hungry, or spending hundreds of hours coaching, Bill’s charity and kindness towards others knew no bounds.   In passing, Bill continued to give of himself by participating in the Gift of Life Donor Program.  Employed by New Castle County since 1987, at the time of his passing, Bill held a position as an Executive Assistant in the New Castle County Executive’s office.  The family appreciates the support and comfort provided by his many friends and coworkers.  His family is especially grateful to the hospital staff at the Wilmington and Christiana Hospitals who provided extraordinary care to Bill in his final days.   Visitation will be on Friday, January 3rd, from 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM followed by Mass at 1:30 PM, at  Saint Helena’s Roman Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809.  A reception will immediately follow Mass at Masci Hall adjacent to the church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill’s memory can be made to Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123.  Contributions can also be made online at donors1.org  Visitation will be on Friday, January 3rd, from 11:15 AM to 1:15 PM followed by Mass at 1:30 PM, at  Saint Helena’s Roman Catholic Church, 602 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, DE 19809.  A reception will immediately follow Mass at Masci Hall adjacent to the church.