Christopher Jude Shannon, 56, of Lincroft, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City, surrounded by the love of his family. A man of profound faith, boundless generosity, and extraordinary talent, Chris lived a life that inspired all who knew him, leaving a lasting legacy of love and compassion in his community and beyond.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, Chris met his soulmate, Joanne Linea, and the two were united in marriage at Our Lady of Guadalupe RC Church in Brooklyn. Their journey together took them from Brooklyn to Staten Island, before they settled in Lincroft in 2004, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. For 33 years, Chris was a devoted husband to Joanne and a guiding light to their two sons, Christopher (and his wife, Jennifer) and Stephen (and his partner, Samantha Shekian). His legacy lives on through his siblings: Kathleen and Ben Gauthier, Geraldine Shannon and Robert Palumbo, Maureen and Caesar Pellicone, Daniel Shannon, and Claudine and Steven Raineri, as well as his cherished nieces and nephews: Ben, Louis, Michael, Joseph, Sean, Caitlin, Riley, and Daniel. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Daniel and Carole Shannon.

Chris was a true Renaissance man, with a heart and hands of gold, whose curiosity and passion led him to excel in everything he pursued. A devout Catholic, he was an active parishioner at St. Leo the Great RC Church in Lincroft for over 20 years, where his faith shone through in countless acts of kindness. Whether assisting a stranger stranded in the church parking lot or lending his carpentry skills for urgent household repairs, Chris’s selflessness touched lives in ways both large and small. His generosity was a testament to his belief in service, making him a pillar of his community.

His talents were as diverse as his spirit, and he approached each endeavor with unmatched skill and dedication. Chris transformed his home with meticulous care, crafting a stunning kitchen with his masterful carpentry, nurturing vibrant vegetable and flower gardens, and tending to his beloved fig tree. His Koi fishpond and saltwater pool were labors of love, reflecting his deep connection to nature. An avid fisherman, he found solace casting lines at Sandy Hook, where his patience and precision shone. A lifelong New York Giants fan, Chris never missed a game, cheering with unwavering loyalty and sharing his enthusiasm with family and friends.

A gifted cook, Chris brought people together with his culinary creations, from his legendary seven-fish Christmas Eve dinners to his delectable Pignoli cookies and an array of desserts that delighted his many friends and family. He took great joy in sharing these treats, each one crafted with the same care and passion he brought to every aspect of his life. His love for music was equally vibrant, spanning the soulful crooning of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to the energetic harmonies of Frankie Valli, The Temptations, and Journey. As a collector of gold and silver coins, he found fascination in their deep history and craftsmanship, and appreciation of their value.

Above all, Chris was a dutiful and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, whose warm smile and kind words lifted everyone around him. His memory is a beacon of light, guiding us to live with compassion, curiosity, and love.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 South Holmdel Road, Holmdel, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:15 AM at St. Leo the Great RC Church, 50 Hurleys Lane, Lincroft, NJ, followed by entombment at St. Gabriel’s Mausoleum, 549 County Rd 520, Marlboro, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Christopher’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.