Paul T. Shannonage 81, of West Lebanon, NH, passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2014 after a brief illness. Son of the late Paul B. and Sarah (Meriam) Shannon, he was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1932. Paul attended Northwestern University for three years and then the Illinois Institute of Technology where in graduated in 1956. Paul obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering from IIT in 1959. On January 28, 1956, he married Patricia Brooke.

Paul taught Chemical Engineering at Purdue University from 1958 to 1962. In 1963 Paul's teaching career brought him to Dartmouth College's Thayer School of Engineering where he served as an Associate and then Full Professor. During his time at Thayer, he published twenty-five technical articles, co-authored a book, and conceived the program structure and directed the development of the first computer model for the processes within a chemical plant. In 1967, Paul left Dartmouth to found Digital Systems Corporation which focused on chemical process and telephone network modeling. In 1973, Paul began working for Xerox, where he led a team that developed computer models of xerographic machine systems. In 1979, Paul arrived at B.F. Goodrich to lead their advanced process control and design efforts. Paul's final role was with the Kendall Company, where he served as Principal Engineer. During his time with Kendall he was awarded a U.S. Patent before retiring in 1998.

Beloved Husband of Patricia B. for almost 50 years, Paul's and Pat's arrival in Hanover in 1963 began an ongoing commitment to the community. Although interrupted in 1976 by a swing through Penfield, NY, Hudson, OH, and Needham MA, they always remained close to their Hanover roots. Paul and Pat were one of eight couples who have had dinner together in Hanover twice a year for the last 37 years, celebrating friendship, and the group winning first prize at a costume party leading up to the U.S. Bicentennial. A return to the Upper Valley in 1997 allowed Paul to renew his commitment and involvement to the community, especially to The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College where he has been active in the life of the Church, and the Rotary Club of West Lebanon where he served in numerous roles.

During his retirement, Paul traveled extensively managing to visit every continent except Antarctica. Paul will be remembered for his ever curious mind, his joyful love of learning, his engagement with all he met and all life had to offer.

Paul is proceeded in death by his much loved wife, he is survived by his son, Mark Shannon and his wife Kris of Chatham, NJ, his daughter Barbara Newton and her husband Keith of Nashua, NH, his son-in-law Steve Hartman of Marietta, GA, husband of daughter Laura Hartman, who pre-deceased Paul in 2011, and by his six beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother in California and his sister in Chicago.

A memorial service to celebrate Paul's life will be held on August 9, 2014, in The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, with the Reverend Carla Bailey officiating. A reception will follow at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in his honor to the Rotary Club of Lebanon P.O. Box 132, Lebanon, NH 03766.

Arrangements under the direction of Rand-Wilson Funeral Home in Hanover.