Daniel R Shaughnessy

Dan Shaughnessy passed away on June 21, 2023 at age 87 surrounded by his family.

Dan was born Jan 16, 1936, the youngest of nine siblings raised by James and Ella in Berkeley, CA. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jim, Pat, Jack, Bob, Tom and Ed and sisters Marian and Docky. The family had moved from Springfield, IL during the depression. The youngest boys being born in the Bay Area were nicknamed the California Three. Dan attended St. Mary’s College High School, Berkeley and played football with several of his brothers – all standouts in the game. He went to Santa Rosa JC, San Jose State and graduated from Utah State. Dan received his masters degree from St. Mary’s College. Each of the brothers enlisted, all of them serving in different branches of the military, Dan in the Army. His brother Ed introduced Dan to Diane Crawford on a double date to see The King and I in San Francisco. Dan proposed within the week, marrying a year later at the Carmel Mission in 1959.

Dan and Diane lived in Santa Ana, Sacramento and Tacoma, WA during his years of service and for opportunities to further his career. After landing his dream job as English teacher and Head Football Coach of his alma mater St. Mary’s HS, they returned to Berkeley. During these years, they hosted numerous students to live with them, becoming family to many men who consider them as their surrogate parents. While living on Albina St. Dan + Diane began to have their own children, welcoming Casey and Maggie. Moving to the home on Carmel Ave. Susie, Jake and Dee Dee soon joined the team.

Coach Shag was a legendary high school football coach. Beloved by many, Dan and Diane continued to mentor and discreetly help students over the decades from both Salesian and St. Mary’s High Schools, on and off the field. He was focused on education and took pride in working hard. Athletics were a vehicle for achieving and becoming a great competitor. His dedication to Salesian was epitomized when he transformed the dirt lot into the football field with the help of the Selway and Martin families, and the Giacomellis who forged the goal posts. Diane and all of the kids were never far from the field; she took the stats and kept every player’s record. Each of their children took a turn at the water bucket and as the ball kid. His iconic style; red hair under the white terry cloth bucket hat, zinc oxide covered nose, extreme focus and booming voice, Shag could be a harrowing presence for any visiting team. He retired with an outstanding record of 252-114-6 over his nearly 60-year tenure.

Dan advocated for the Arts as much as he did Athletics. He cultivated and supported his family’s interests in art, photography, fashion, and acting. He regularly took his family to Broadway musicals, shared his love of movies and nature programs, classic American novels as well as Motown music and Classic Rock. After 47 yrs of marriage, Dan lost Diane to cancer in 2006. All five children each possess the qualities of their generous and fun-loving parents.

Dan continued his love of the arts, music and dancing with his second wife Allie Roth. Married for nearly ten years, they enjoyed traveling together, visiting their close circle of family and friends, long walks along the bay, gardening and happily spending their days together. Dan and Allie found their greatest joy in their combined grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Diane and Sylvia, Michaela, Sienna, Alex, Jake, Luke and Layla.

The once in a lifetime man Dan Shaughnessy leaves a legacy of love through his brother-in-law Dan, sister-in-law Noreen, wife Allie and the Weinstein family, numerous nieces and nephews, decades of players, students, and his daughters, son-in-law, son, and grandchildren.

Per his request, a simple, private burial will be held by the families.
In lieu of flowers – The Shaughnessy and Roth-Shaughnessy Weinstein families ask that a donation be made to your favorite charity in Dan’s name.

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