William E. Shanahan (Bill), (Wiggy)

Bill passed away peacefully on June 16, 2026, at The Birches at Newtown. He was 86 years old. Bill was the son of Eugene and Winifred (Tage) Shanahan. Brother to the late, Jeanne Max.

Bill was born and raised in the Grays Ferry section of South Philadelphia and proudly grew up on the 1300 block of Hollywood St. He resided in Northeast Philadelphia for many years.

Bill was a graduate of St. Gabriel’s school and Southeast Catholic High School class of 1957. He served in the United States Army for two years. He became a Philadelphia Fireman and retired after 27 years of service.

Bill was an avid sports fan with an amazing memory for statistics and details. He loved Philly sports. He loved to play sports, ran the Broad St marathon and played softball until he was 70. He liked to play golf and enjoyed reading, listening to music, and watching old movies. Bill also liked the Jersey shore and would visit the casinos weekly well into his eighties. He loved to play blackjack. He was outgoing, friendly, and loved to talk to and meet new people. Most of all, he loved to hang out with his many friends and have a few cold ones while eating pizza.

Bill will be dearly missed and always remembered by his long-time good friends and caregivers, Mark and Kristin Gassman.

To honor Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services will be held. Interment is private.

A life celebration will be held in the near future.

In lieu of flowers or cards, donations in his memory can be sent to the Fisher House Foundation.