Robert C. Shannon, 81, of Hockessin, DE, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2023, surrounded by family.

Bob was a firm believer in the value of education and lifelong learning. He was a 1959 graduate of Alexis I DuPont High School. Bob served his country with honor, in the US Army, from 1960 to 1963. He then earned an A.A.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Delaware Technical Community College, followed by a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from Wilmington College, while working for the Delaware State Police. Over the course of his career, he also graduated from the Keeler Polygraph Institute in Chicago, IL and the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico, VA. Bob was a hard worker and often worked multiple jobs at a time to support his young family. He often quipped he did everything from flipping burgers to selling suits! In 1967, he continued to serve his community by joining the Delaware State Police. He progressed through the ranks until he retired in 1986 with the rank of Captain, Commander Special Investigations Section.

Most notably, he was a Polygraph Examiner for 8 years, which turned into a future vocation. After retiring, he joined MBNA America Bank from 1987 to 1992, where he was a Multi-Unit Supervisor in the Fraud Department. In 1992, Bob founded Tri-State Polygraph Consultants Inc., dba Shannon Associates, a private investigation and polygraph business, working well into his 70’s.

Bob was a loyal and compassionate man who valued the importance of family above all else. He was married to his beloved wife and high school sweetheart, Philomena, for 62 years. Together, they enjoyed traveling and were fortunate enough to travel extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. He was happiest vacationing with family and friends. He meticulously planned fabulous vacations for the entire family to the British Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Jackson Hole. He developed a passion for golf as a teenager, caddying at the duPont Country Club. He also enjoyed skiing in his younger days. He loved spending time with his sons, attending the State Police and FBI golf outings & crab feasts with Kevin, and eating crabs on Rock’s porch. He enjoyed relaxing on the porch of the family beach house in Dewey Beach, the sunshine in Marco Island and Vero Beach, FL, fine dining (or sneaking a hot dog at the Sunoco), and hosting numerous parties and cookouts. He excelled in Bocce in retirement (condo team champ!). He loved attending auctions where he would buy and sell cars and real estate in need of some TLC. Always up for an adventure, he once embarked on a memorable sailing trip from Lewes, DE to Bermuda.

Bob will be remembered as a dedicated family man, a skilled professional and a lover of life's simple pleasures. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife, Philomena; his sons, Kevin (Sheryl) and Rocco (Jennifer); his grandchildren, Kylie, Ryan, Alec, Nolan, Natalie, and Gabrielle; as well as his great-grandchildren, Caiden and Conrad. He leaves behind numerous relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Martin Shannon and Frances Shannon (Weldin); and his brother, Martin Shannon.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 10AM to 11AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, located at 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM, followed by entombment in Cathedral Cemetery.

The family is grateful to Jenn and Nicole from Hospice for making his final days comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Delaware State Police Trooper Association (DSPTA) or AccentCare Hospice Delaware.