Michael B. Shanahan

 ANDOVER -- Michael B. Shanahan, 57, a Lowell native and Vietnam Warveteran who retired as a lieutenant colonel after a 25-year distinguished career with the Massachusetts State Police, died Wednesday, June 28, at his home in Andover after a heroic battle with cancer.

He was the loving and devoted husband of Diane M. (Di Cicco) Shanahan, to whom he was married for 30 years.

He was born in Lowell on Aug. 8, 1948, the son of Florence (Hysette) Shanahan of Dracut and the late Albert B. Shanahan. He was educated in Dracut, and graduated magna cum laude from UMass Lowell in 1985 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. He received a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University, graduating magna cum Laude in 1994.

At the age of 17, Mr. Shanahan enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War for four years. He was honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1970. He received many awards, including the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Marksmanship Rifle Badge and Navy Achievement Medal with combat "V".

He began his career with the Massachusetts State Police in 1971 in the 55 RTT class. He was well known for his high individual academic achievements as a recruit.

He was a highly decorated and respected individual who rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel in the State Police, family members recalled.

Mr. Shanahan was in charge of all field operations, which consisted of 1,500 uniform personnel, seven headquarters and 38 stations throughout the state. Mr. Shanahan retired in 1996. Two years later, he was employed as a senior corporate security manager and senior investigator with Bank of America.

Lt. Col. Shanahan was a member and supporter of the Retired Trooper Association. He was also a member of St. Augustine Parish in Andover.

Besides his wife and mother, his survivors include two children, Michael and Christina, both of Andover; a sister, Ann and Vincent Del Fuoco of Chelmsford; his wife's parents, Charles and Rose Di Cicco of Winthrop; two sisters-in-law and their husbands, Margaret and George Arrigo of East Boston, and Anita and Michael Bolonese of Winthrop; and several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Published in Lowell Sun on July 6, 2006