Donald Andrew Shanley

Shanley, Donald A, Age 91 of Allen Park, formerly of Belleville and Carp Lake, Michigan. Resident of Maple Heights Senior Living. Beloved Husband of 66 years to the late Arlene (Varga). Dedicated father to Andrea (Ed) Seabloom and Lisa (David) Puckett. Devoted grandfather to Adam (Lindsey) Seabloom, Laura (Jeremy) Flanigan, Beth (Marcus) Crapo, Kayla Shamie, Dallas Shamie, Christian, Hunter Alex (Meghan) and Neal Puckett. Loving great-grandfather of 15.

Son of the late Charles and Eva (Marentette) Shanley, brother of the late Gerald, Vivian and Elvera. Dearest Uncle to over 100 nieces and nephews. Employed at Semet Solvay, McLouth Steel and Ford Motor Company with his retirement in 1995. Active member of Allen Park Presbyterian Church since 1957. Served on many church boards, bowled in the church men’s bowling league and also ushered for many years.

Active member of the American Legion Post 409 for almost 50 years. He was Commander of Post 409 and served in the district and state level in many offices and chairmanships, including Department Finance Officer. He was a dedicated veteran and worked on many projects and devoted many hours to serving others. Don also served as Post Adjutant and Bingo Chairman working many tireless hours 4 days a week behind the counter at Post 409. Many lifelong friends were created in the American Legion.

In 1987 Don and his wife Arlene purchased a little piece of heaven in Carp Lake Michigan. After his retirement, they spent many summers at the lake. They enjoyed volunteering for the Carp Lake Association, and he was named Pancake Master after many years of flipping pancakes at the annual Pancake Breakfast. Don also worked at the Mackinaw City Live Theater where he greeted busloads of tourists. Many great times were spent with family, friends and their neighbor cousins at the lake. Don loved nothing more than spending time with his daughters, and their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren making a lifetime of memories, fishing, boating and family time at Carp Lake or anywhere he was with them.

Don spent many years taking care of his beloved wife, Arlene, who suffered from dementia. He was a compassionate, patient and very loving husband. All who knew Don knew that her needs were his top priority.

Over the years Don taught ALL his family some life lessons to live by, ones they will never forget. He instilled the important values of how important it is to work hard and have a good work ethic, and how no one will put green backs in your pocket beside you. Most important....” Family is Everything”. He closed the Shanley Family reunion every year after offering the blessing, with that statement. He lived by these principles for over 91 years.