Joseph Arthur Shaughnessy

Joseph Arthur Shaughnessy passed away on November 2, 2025 after a long illness. Joe was a longtime resident of Phoenix and parishioner of St Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Joe was born January 9, 1949 in North Platte Nebraska , to Edwin and Alice Shaughnessy. He was the youngest of three boys. Joe grew up in North Platte, spending most of his time on a sailboat at Lake Maloney with his brothers Jack and Denny.

Joe went on to attend Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where he earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Creighton Law School. Joe was a proud member of the Nebraska State Bar Association.

Although Joe loved the Law, he found his true calling through volunteer work at St Francis Xavier Parish, the Knights of Columbus Chapter 13278 and especially his service to the veterans at the Arizona State Veterans Home. Joe served as Lay Chaplain at the Arizona Veterans Home. In the Home, he arranged for weekly Mass and ministered to Veterans of all faith groups. He was a Eucharistic Minister, bringing Holy Communion to Catholics at the veterans home as well as members in the community who were unable to attend Mass. Joe organized the Knights of Columbus to provide transportation for veterans in wheelchairs to St Francis for Sunday Mass.

Joe loved the Lord. Being a strong Catholic, he certainly appreciated the importance of the Holy Eucharist in his life and treasured making holy hours of adoration. Having a strong devotion to St Joseph, he understood the importance of perseverance, strength and courage needed in standing up for the Gospel.

Joe was a kind and compassionate man and always had a thoughtful word for everyone. He brought joy and dignity to every veteran he met. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and the veterans at the Arizona Home.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Alice (Krecek) Shaughnessy, his brothers, Edwin Jr. (Jack) and Dennis (Denny) Shaughnessy. He is survived by his niece Bridget (Shaughnessy) Mazza, her husband Frank and their children Kaitlin, Erin and Emily. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Joyce Shaughnessy, Heather, Matt and Hattie Bethancourt.

The Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 17th, 2025 at St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave, Phoenix AZ. The Rosary will begin at 9:30 AM with the funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Rite of Committal will follow the funeral Mass at St Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona State Veteran’s Home and St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, in honor of Joseph Shaughnessy.

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