John M. Shanks

Forestport - John M. Shanks, 65, of Woodhull Road, husband of Bonnie, passed away peacefully on March 20, at home while under the care of his loving family and Hospice. He was born on August 14, 1947 in Utica, the son of the late Leo K. and Patricia Bisnette Shanks. John was a lifelong resident of Forestport, where he attended school, graduating from Boonville Central School with the Class of 1965. Following his education, John began his career as a tractor trailer driver, first working for Utica Bus Co. and then Wilson Meat Packing Co. of Utica. On June 21, 1969 he was united in marriage with Bonnie Miller at St. Patrick's Church, Forestport. Following their marriage the couple lived for a short time in Utica, before settling in Forestport. John continued his career as a truck driver working for Still's Saw Mill in Ava, Joseph Kwasniewski Logging Co. of West Leyden, and for the last 30 years until his retirement in 2009, John drove truck for G.E. Hutchins Transport Co. of Boonville. John was a member of St. Patrick's Church, Forestport, and an honorary member of the Forestport Fire Co. John was a volunteer for the Adirondack Scenic Railroad, which allowed him to enjoy his passion of trains and the railroad industry. Besides his wife, John is survived by his daughters: Cynthia Shanks and fiance Jeffery Williams, and Carrie (Michael) Clover, all of Forestport, and his grandchildren: Kayla, Austin and Jonathan. Also surviving are his sister Janice (Donald) Blum, Plano TX, and his nephew Eli (Amanda) Blum, Cincinnati, OH. In keeping with John's wishes, there will be no calling hours and all services will be private. Interment of his cremains will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Forestport. His arrangements have been entrusted to the Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Forestport Fire Fighters, Inc. Forestport, NY 13338, or to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.