The Quaker City String Band announced on their Facebook page the passing of their former captain Bob Shannon Jr. In the world of mummery, there has not been anyone like Bob Shannon Jr. Shannon participated in the Mummers Parade for 54 years, 37 of them as captain of Quaker City String Band. He was awarded first place captain seven times and was inducted into the string band hall of fame in 1987. He retired as the captain of Quaker City after the 2008 Mummers Parade and served as the president of the Philadelphia Mummers Association.
Quaker City String Band’s Facebook Statement.
It is with a heavy heart that we relay to you that our past Captain and legend of Philadelphia Mummery, Bob Shannon, Jr., has passed away. He will always be remembered. More details to follow. Please keep Bob and his family in your prayers.
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Fond memories of gentle giant Bob Shannon Jr.
Like Mr. Shannon, I grew up in Darby, adjacent to Philly. For one year he and I played baseball in the same Little League. He was, of course, giant even then, and a superstar there.
Then, when he was just out of the Little League, age 13, he served as an umpire at the Little League games. At about 6’4″, he looked & carried himself like an adult, not at all like a gawky oversized kid (and there was nothing gawky about him). And he was totally respected by parents & kids, really more so even than the adult umpires.
I had no contact with him since 1965. That’s 54 years. But I remember him as a unique individual even then. Seeing the photos of him, and reading about his life, I have a sense of a uniquely wonderful individual. All my condolences to his family.
Joe Dipierro
Raleigh, NC
Bob Shannon was not only a captain/leader of a band
But Bob was also the giant on Broad street and no
Matter where he went he was loved by all.. Surely
Will be missed in the parade as captain and president
Of the mummers association but as a giant hearted man
You loved all and received all the world could give him .
God bless and Rest in Peace Bob Shannon JR. (Heartbroken)
God Bless Bob Shannon Jr., The Best Ambassador There Was To Promote Our Mummers Tradition. What A Gentle Giant Of A Man., A Class Gentleman In Every Sense Of The Word.He Never Had a Bad Word About Anyone, Captain For 38 Years With The Quaker City String Band. Leading His Band To Numerous First Place Awards. President Of The Mummers and Shooters Association, Always Trying To Hold Our Members Together. It Was My Families Honor To Present Bob, With The Mr. Clown Award in 1989. He Will Be Dearly Missed, Rest In Peace, Bobby, Until We Meet Again In That Great Mummers Parade In The Sky.
I worked with Bob for over 10 years he was a man of his word and a gentle giant he never had a bad word to say about anyone he will surely be missed by everyone
Love you Bob
“There’s no business like snow business” was the best performance I’ve ever seen. 1989. I’ll never forget Bob dressed up like that giant snowman! RIP