Richard P. “Dick” Shaneyfelt, age 81, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on December 10, 2021 at his home. He was a beloved dad, step-dad, Papa, and cherished Deacon to the many parishioners and community members that he served.
Dick was born July 7, 1940 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Raymond A. and Anna E. (Bauer) Shaneyfelt. He lived in Washtenaw Co. his entire life and graduated from St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor in 1958. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served for four years as a radio operator and airman. He worked as a Master Plumber from 1965-2000 and was a 49-year member of the UA Local 190 Plumbers/Pipefitters. On May 5, 1979, he married Nadine (Underwood). She preceded him in death on December 22, 2015.
In 1990 he became a Catholic Deacon and proudly served St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, where he was a member and integral part of the church. He also served the community as a member of the Chelsea Ministerial Alliance, serving as Chair, as well as Faith-in-Action, where he served as President for three years. Through Faith-in-Action, he started Christmas in April, a program which continues and is now known as “Help with Rebuilding Together.” Even after retirement in 2006, he continued to serve, going to unsafe areas of Flint, to reach out to the lost with the Gospel.
He is survived by his children, Christine (Allen) Johnson of Ann Arbor, Beth Ann (David) Renner of Manchester, his step-children: Colette (Russell) Luckhardt of Gregory, Brian (Vicki) Wright of South Carolina, Dana (Geneva) Wright of South Carolina, Van (April) Wright of Tecumseh; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Nadine, he was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Shaneyfelt, two brothers Russell Shaneyfelt and Robert Shaneyfelt, a step-son, Gary Dean Wright, a step-daughter, Shari Wright, and the mother of his daughters, Patricia L. (Badour) Vitale.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021, 2:00 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. A private graveside service will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the church on Friday from 12-2 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith in Action, St. Mary Catholic Church, or the Arbor Hospice Foundation.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, 901 North Main St. Chelsea, MI 48118.
