Richard Shaknis' Obituary
RICHARD C. SHAKNIS On November 10, 2018, Richard Charles Shaknis passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Born in 1933, and raised on Long Island, NY, Richard was an enthusiastic and skilled sailor from a young age. He built a 28’ sailboat with his father Alfred, an architect, and delighted in navigating the waters of Long Island Sound. Richard also found comfort and peace in gardening, and cultivated extensive flower and vegetable gardens around his property in Old Brookville, L.I. Richard and Sharon moved to Memphis, TN in 1988, when International Paper, his employer of 30+ years, relocated. He had a passion for cooking and enjoyed sharing his specialty dishes of osso bucco, gazpacho, onion soup and applesauce. Richard enjoyed sports, having played football and run track in his younger years, and became an avid fan of University of Memphis basketball and football teams. He volunteered his time and efforts in support of the St. Jude Golf Tournament by establishing and chairing a handicap accessible viewing area on the 18th hole. In spite of physical disabilities in his later years, Richard always strove to become stronger and never complained. Richard was devoted to his family, and enjoyed spending time with his friends. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Sharon; a sister Barbara (Daniel) Olsen of Concord, MA; his son Craig (Laura) of Naples, ME; and daughter, Kim (Jeremy) Seeger of Belmont, MA; grandchildren Jessica (Jim) Cardosi, Christopher (Ashley) Shaknis, Kayla Seeger, Jason Seeger; and great-grandchildren Caden, Charlie, and Elle. A memorial service will be hosted by his sister at Peace Lutheran Church in Wayland, MA. A celebration of Richard’s life will occur in early 2019 in Memphis, TN. Memorial donations may be made to Page Robbins Adult Day Center for Dementia.Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”.
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