Patrick J. Shannon, 80 years of age, of Center Valley, died after a long illness at St Luke's Hospice House. With the help of the St. Luke's Hospice Teams, both in home and at Hospice House, was able to die in comfort and peace. Patrick was born in Johnstown, PA, the only child of Joseph and Madelyn Shannon. He graduated from Bishop McCort High School and went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Social Science with a minor in Theater, from John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio in 1955. He later completed his graduate education with a Masters in Social Work from Florida State University. He was most proud of his participation in the civil rights march across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in 1965 from Selma to Montogomery, Alabama. He and his first wife Mary Clare returned to the Northeast where he began his decades long career in psychiatric social work and family therapy. He was one of the founders of Confront, now known as Treatment Trends, in 1969. He completed the Extern program at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania with Dr. Salvador Minuchin and became a master teacher and mentor to hundreds of MSW interns and related professionals in the Lehigh Valley for over 30 years. In the Lehigh Valley, he was employed by Northampton County Mental Health, Catholic Social Agency of the Diocese on Allentown, and Catholic Charities of the Metuchen Diocese of N J. In 1979 he established The Academy of Family and Marital Therapy, a private therapy practice located in Bethlehem. He was highly regarded by all professionals with whom he engaged as well as the individuals and families that he treated. He was an avid reader, but most enjoyed traveling to various sites in the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and especially Ireland.

Survivors: He is survived by his wife Adele Bon-Shannon, MSW, and children: Lee, and his wife Michele in Johnstown, PA, Lisa Clare Shannon-Breslin and husband Alan of Allentown, Amy McConaughy and her husband David, of Mesa, AZ, Meghan Carr and her husband Barry of Mesa, AZ, and Anton and his fiance, Lisa Miskelly of Zionsville. He has 9 grand children and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife Mary Clare and his daughter, Eileen Shannon Ringer. He will be lovingly remembered by all and sadly missed by his family.

Services: Calling hours 6-8 PM Tuesday, October 14th at Norcross-Weber F.H., 101B N. Main St, Coopersburg, and Wednesday, October 15, 10-11 AM at the church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 at St. Joseph Church, 5050 St. Josephs Rd., Limeport. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery. www.weberfuneralhomes.com

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to John Carroll University or St Luke's Hospice House, c/o Norcross-Weber Funeral Home.