It is with profound sadness and heavy, shattered hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of John Patrick Shanks, Jr., age 29, who left us far too soon, on August 5, 2026, following a tragic accident.

John was, and always will be, larger than life itself. Born in Sharon, Connecticut on December 31, 1996, he brought a radiant energy into the world that never faded. He was the cherished son of Ellen BreMiller (William BreMiller) and John Shanks, Sr. (Lynda Whalen).

A 2015 graduate from Millbrook High School, John was the recipient of the Triple “C” Award from the Attorney General of New York – a testament to the Courage, Commitment, and Character that defined his entire life.

John was a man perpetually on the move – whether hiking trails, hunting, working with his hands, or simply spending time with the people he cherished most. In the company of John, everyone felt lighter and kept a smile on their face; he had an extraordinary gift for making anyone laugh with his infectious sense of humor. John could also strike up a conversation with people from all walks of life.

From John’s childhood, anyone who knew him knew that one of his greatest dreams was to go out west. He pursued that passion with characteristic determination. John spent time working, learning an array of new skills, and exploring the open country he so loved. He inspired others to do the same.

John’s incredible work ethic and ambition led him to become the founder, owner, and operator of Shanks Property Maintenance, LLC. He was a true jack-of-all-trades. Driven by a desire to constantly improve his craft and broaden his depth of knowledge, John mastered any tool or machine that sat before him.

At the center of who John was stood a kindness that never wavered. He possessed a caring heart and a selfless nature – always prioritizing the needs of others above his own. If someone was in need, John was the first person to drop whatever he was doing and show up for them. He was the person you could call at any hour, and with certainty, he would be there.

John’s family adored him and they will always carry his legacy of love. He is survived by his mother and step-father, Ellen and William BreMiller; his father and step-mother, John Shanks, Sr. and Lynda Whalen; his sisters and their husbands, Nicole and Mark Kotzur, Maura and Ryan Dalton; his step-siblings and their spouses, Alana and Mark Collins, Jason BreMiller and Molly Simmons; his treasured niece and nephew, Quinn and Colby Kotzur; and his maternal grandmother, Marion Powers. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and a wide circle of friends who loved him dearly.

John leaves behind his loyal companion, daily adventurer, and his faithful hiking partner through every season, his beloved Labrador, Dakota.

He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Raymond Powers, Jr., and his paternal grandparents, William and Joan Shanks.

John will be deeply missed, fiercely protected in memory, and loved forever by so many. His laughter, his generosity, and his bright spirit will always be woven into the hearts of all who knew him and were better people because of it.

Calling hours will be held at Allen Funeral Home in Millbrook, New York on August 13, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held on August 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Millbrook, New York. The burial, at St. Peter’s in Lithgow, New York, will be private.

To honor John’s love and enthusiasm for conserving the natural world, donations in John’s name can be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Similarly, as John’s family has an abundance of gratitude for the work of the Pleasant Valley Rescue Squad, donations can be made in his name. Please make checks payable to the Pleasant Valley Fire Company #1 at P.O. Box 583, Pleasant Valley, New York 12569.