Daniel Paul Shaughnessy

Daniel Paul “Dan” Shaughnessy, 77, of Topeka passed away on June 6, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Topeka, Kansas on December 12, 1944, the son of Paul E. and Jane (Agnew) Shaughnessy.  His mother passed away when he was very young, and he was raised by his father and step-mother, Paul and Cecilia (Fritton) Shaughnessy.

Dan was a 1962 graduate of Hayden High School and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Washburn University. 

He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969 where he served as a combat veteran with the 1^st Calvary Division and received two purple hearts while stationed in Vietnam.   He was a member of Vietnam Veterans Association.

His career was as a Public Administrator working as a Director in Administration with the City of Topeka, the Shawnee County Health Department and for the Kansas Department of Revenue.  Dan was selected for Leadership Topeka.

Dan always put his family first, and never missed a sporting event for his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed cooking and was featured in the Topeka Capital Journal as a “Cook of the Week”.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed reading Historical literature.  Dan was a Master Gardener and was a first place winner of the “Topeka Landscape Shade Garden” competition.  He also loved golfing, working with fused glass and was an avid KU Basketball fan.

Dan did extensive volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, Combat Air Museum, Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, United Way, TARC’s Winter Wonderland, CASA, Railroad Days, DEBATE/FORENSICS Judge for Hayden High School and was a co-founder of Catholics for Renewal.  His favorite volunteer job ever was as a runway model for the LINKS Chapter’s Annual Fashion Show where he rocked the Grey Handsome Tuxedo.

Dan married Nancy (Nichols) at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church on August 9, 1969.  She survives of the home.  He is also survived by two sons, Matthew Paul Shaughnessy (Jennifer Knapp) of Olathe, KS and Stephen Jude Shaughnessy (Jason McIntire) of Centennial, CO, a grandson Aiden Paul Shaughnessy of Topeka, great granddaughter Aubrey Grace Shaughnessy of Topeka, and three sisters, Mary Ellen Cronin (Joe) and Maureen Minton (Mark) all of Topeka and Jeanette Shemezis (Stephen) of Broadview, IL.  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Patrick Shaughnessy.

Daniel's family will receive friends at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church on Tuesday, June 28th from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. with military honors to follow at the church.  Cremation will follow services and inurnment will be held privately.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Vietnam Veterans Association and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6^th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.

Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.

Dan’s family would like to thank J and J’s Caring Hands and all of the wonderfully caring hospice aides and nursing staff that helped Dan and his family through this difficult time.