It is with great sadness that we share the loss of John Michael "Mike" Shanley III, 72, after an unexpected brief illness. He died on March 26, 2025 with his wife of 46 years by his side.

Mike is survived by a heartbroken family, including his wife, Karen MacCarthy Shanley, his three daughters Kate Harwood and husband Simon, Kerry Camp and husband Phil, and Molly Shanley and husband Mike Filbey, and grandchildren Arthur, Jack, and Charlotte. He is also survived by sister Susan Gallant and brothers Matt and Tim, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Mike was predeceased by his parents, John "Jack" Michael Shanley Jr, and Geraldine (Lynch) Shanley, as well as his brother Mark. Mike adored his family, especially his three grandchildren, who will miss "Beppe" and his many inside jokes and games.

Mike graduated from Marshfield High School, Stonehill College, and Suffolk University and was an attorney for forty years in solo practice. He was an advocate of social justice and believed in giving everyone a fair chance despite their circumstances. Mike was happily working until the last days of his life.

A prodigious reader, Mike always had several tomes surrounding him on the nightstand and coffee table. He enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. While traveling, it was his habit to buy the local newspaper and seek out nearby breweries, bonus points if he could find an IPA. He loved to write, and his sports and travel articles appeared in local papers.

Mike loved to play and watch sports including basketball, golf, softball, and running. Some of his closest friends are former "Geese", "Devils" and the "Newtonians." He coached all of his daughters in various youth sports and couldn't resist informally coaching his grandchildren.

He had a way with words, and anyone who ever received a text, email, or call from him likely learned a new word in the process. He loved creating words that were then adopted by family and friends and became part of the "Beppe dictionary".

He was always cracking jokes and was one of three finalists in the New Yorker cartoon caption contest, which we all know he should have won.

His passion for and knowledge of music was vast and his collection of albums, tapes, and CDs is legendary.  He attended many concerts with friends and family. He loved quizzing everyone on artists and song titles from all genres, but especially the 60s and 70s. He was the only person we know who actually paid for Sirius radio.

He was deeply empathetic and believed that our collective efforts can make the world a better place. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Southern Poverty Law Center or Planned Parenthood

Above all, Mike really enjoyed his life and truly lived life to the fullest (pardon the cliche).

A Celebration of Life will take place at Marshfield Country Club on Saturday, April 5th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Bring your funny stories, wear something joyful, be ready to quaff a brew—it's what he would have wanted. We will have an open "Mike" at 3:30.