Thomas Shanley

Thomas D. Shanley 78, of Guilford, formerly of New Haven died at home on March 28, 2023. Tom was born on August 25, 1944 and brought up in the Goatville neighborhood of New Haven. He played in the Eddie Sheehan Little League-the first established little league in New Haven in the 1950’s. He was a three year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving in the Vietnam War seeing major combat.

Tom joined the New Haven Fire Department on July 1, 1970 and was assigned to Engine Company 3 on Elm St (the busiest engine company in the city). He was re-assigned to the Lombard Street Station in Fair Haven, and for two decades he saw action with Engine Company 10, Engine Company 7 and Tactical Unit 2. He was then re-assigned to Engine Company 17 in Fair Haven Heights, retiring on July 17, 1991.

Tom was commended by the Board of Fire Commissioners in 1986 for saving the life of a fire victim to whom he provided successful CPR to.

He was a proud member of the New Haven Firefighters-International Association of Firefighters local 825. While active, he was a member of the NHFD American Legion Post 132.

Tom will be laid to rest among many other heroic and iconic brother firefighters in Evergreen Cemetery, NHFD Benevolent Association Section with full Military and Fire Department honors on TUESDAY April 18, 2023. Firefighters, Veterans, and all who knew him, or would like to pay respects are encouraged to assemble at the main gates of the cemetery on Ella Grasso Blvd by 1045 for a procession to the gravesite. East Haven Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements.