Rodney James Shaughnessy

US Army

"MADISON, Rodney J. Shaughnessy, age 91, of 337 East Sunset Court, Madison, died on Wednesday, August 2, 1989, at a Madison hospital after a valiant battle following cancer surgery. He was born on Feb. 11, 188, in Madison, the son of former police chief, Thomas and Bridget Shaughnessy. He grew up in Madison where he excelled in many sports and graduated from Madison High School, attended the University of Wisconsin and graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School, where he played and coached football under Knute Rockne. He later became head football coach and professor of English at Jefferson College in Convent, Louisiana. He had been retired for many years. He was preceded in death by four brothers and two sisters. He was an avid sportsman and sport fan, and was known for his athletic abilities and his quick wit. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, the former Alys G. Dicharry; his daughter, Arlyn Smith of Mary Esther, Florida; two sons, Thomas (Jane) of Verona, and Rod (Linda) of Madison; also surviving are grandchildren Rhea Sinkey of Taylor, Michigan; Karen Jones of Destin, Florida; Michael Smith of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; Tom Shaughnessy of Verona; Kelly Shaughnessy of Madison; Katie Shaughnessy of Verona; Brendan Shaughnessy of Madison, and Ryan Shaughnessy of Madison; and three great-grandchildren, Ryan Jones, Kristin Jones and Michelle Sinkey. A man of seemingly modest means, he left behind a wealth of good feelings and was loved by all who met him. A small man, he was a giant to those who were privileged to know him. A memorial funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at Our Lady Queen Peace Catholic Church, 401 S. Owen Dr., Madison, Wis."
Wisconsin State Journal, Thursday, August 3, 1989, page 6c