Gerald K. “Jerry” Shannon, 80, of Richards Drive, Watertown, and formerly of Massena and Gouverneur, passed away Tuesday at the Samaritan Keep Nursing Home where he had been a resident for two months.

Calling hours are Friday, April 22 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, which will be followed by a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Donald Robinson officiating. Mr. Shannon was born the youngest of 18 children on July 12, 1930, in Adams Center, a son to John and Susan Hiscock Shannon. He was a 1948 graduate of Watertown High School.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1949-1952. He served in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations aboard the Aircraft Carriers, The Leyte and Roosevelt.

Jerry married Bernice E. White in February 19, 1955 at St. Patrick’s Church in Brasher Falls.

Mr. Shannon was a member of the Plumber and Steamfitters Union Local 117 for over 59 years. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon lived in Massena for many years where Jerry served as project foreman on various construction sites in Northern New York to include work on the St. Lawrence Seaway in Massena, Guthrie Clinic on Fort Drum, Corning Glass, and Nine Mile Point.

Jerry and Bernice moved to Gouverneur in 1973. Jerry worked for Brown & Storie General Contractors of Gouverneur. He also owned and operated Shannon Apartments in Gouverneur. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon sold the apartments in 1987 and moved to Sylvia Lake.

Mr. and Mrs. Shannon retired in 1995. They split their time between Henderson, N.Y., and Tamarack, Fla., before settling on Richards Drive three years ago.

Jerry was a member of the Gouverneur Elks Lodge and the Gouverneur Lions Club. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking and most of all, the company of his grandchildren.

Surviving besides his wife are 3 daughters and 3 sons-in-law: Denise Shannon and her husband Jonathon Dee, New York City; Dr. Kellie Sanzone and her husband Joseph Sanzone, Watertown, Mary Shannon and her husband, Timothy Beebe, Redwood; 4 sons and 4 daughters-in-law: Dennis and Patti Shannon, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., John and Paula Shannon, Middletown, Conn., Daniel and Marie Shannon, Syracuse, Theodore and Geraldie, Euless, Texas. Jerry and Bernice became guardians for their niece and nephew, Kathleen Shannon, who lives with her husband Howard Storie in Magnolia, Texas, and Charles Shannon, who lives with his wife Julie in Wellington, Fla., after the death of their parents. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. A sister, Priscilla Jardin, and a brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Ruby Shannon, Watertown.

Contributions may be made in his name to Habitat for Humanity or to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.