Jerry K. Shannon devoted his life to music as a teacher, choral director and professional singer. He taught at Churchill/Woodland Hills, Wilkinsburg and Edgewood high schools and at Washington and Jefferson College and Duquesne University.

As a baritone soloist, Mr. Shannon sang in a wide array of venues, including churches, a synagogue, Carnegie Music Hall and at Three Rivers Stadium, where he sang the National Anthem before Pirates games.

The active and athletic Mr. Shannon, who stood abut 6 feet, 4 inches tall, enjoyed sports both as player and a spectator.

In 2003 Mr. Shannon was successfully treated for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Then he courageously fought the disabling effects of a neuromuscular disease.

He died on June 3 in Madison, Wisc., surrounded by his family. He was 75.

A native of Sharon, Mercer County, Mr. Shannon attended Westminster College with scholarships in music and basketball. It was at the college in New Wilmington that he met Ginny Dickson, the woman he would marry.

The couple was married for 51 years. From 1958-2006 they lived in the Pittsburgh area, primarily in Monroeville, where they raised their two children.

In 2006 they moved to Madison, where their daughter, Lynn Morgan, lives with her family.

Mr. Shannon started his teaching career in the late 1950s.

"As news of Jerry's death has traveled, I have heard from former students from every decade," Mrs. Shannon said. "He consistently inspired and made a significant difference in the lives of countless students," many of whom kept in touch with him.

"Though he lived a very busy life, that never prevented him from always focusing on our children," Mrs. Shannon said. Not surprisingly, both of their children developed a love of music.

Their son Robert, of Denver, Colo., plays cello, piano and guitar. Mrs. Morgan is a professional singer in the Madison Opera.

Mr. Shannon worked for many years as choral director in the Woodland Hills, Wilkinsburg and Edgewood high schools. Later he worked as adjunct professor at Duquesne University and choral director at Washington and Jefferson College.

He frequently took choirs that he directed on tour. In 1973, his a Cappella choir traveled behind the Iron Curtain on a three-week concert tour at the invitation of the Romanian government.

He produced and was vocal director of high school musical productions that frequently won "best musical" honors in the Civic Light Opera's annual Gene Kelly Awards.

After he retired from Woodland Hills, he was choral and vocal director for a number of Gateway High School musicals. He also was vocal director for Larry Cervi's East End Kids -- a traveling group of singers and dancers ages 7-17.

During his teaching career, Mr. Shannon served two terms as district president of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. He was on the board of directors of the state PMEA and the American Choral Directors Association. He was frequently a guest director at choral festivals throughout the eastern U.S.

He directed semi-professional choral groups locally, including the Pittsburgh Madrigal Singers, The McKeesport Choraliers and the Muses.

Mr. Shannon was soloist at Calvary Episcopal Church and Temple Sinai for more than 30 years. He was a featured guest soloist with the Bach Choir, the Mendelssohn Choir and in a collaborative performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the Pittsburgh Ballet and Pittsburgh Symphony. He was twice in recital at Carnegie Music Hall.

His wife described him as an avid sports fan and participant. "He was a sharp shooter in basketball and pool, and a tough competitor in table tennis and tennis. He was a staunch supporter of the Steelers and Pirates, even after moving away from Pennsylvania in 2006.

"Jerry especially loved spending time with his children and three grandchildren," Mrs. Shannon said. The family enjoyed traveling, in this country and abroad. Some of their best trips with their children were long driving vacations with overnight stops for camping in tents.

A memorial service will be held Oct. 17 at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Ave., Shadyside.

The family requests memorial gifts to the Marilyn and Ray Gindroz Foundation, in support of the annual travel and study prize awarded to a music or architecture student at Carnegie Mellon University. Contributions can be sent to the foundation at 1660 Murray Ave., #22, Pittsburgh, PA 15217.