Brett Joseph Shanahan

Brett Joseph Shanahan, 40, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away on January 21, 2024.

Brett was born in Anchorage, Alaska on August 7, 1983 to Marlene (Greenewald) and Gerry Shanahan. Brett was a proud Alaskan, he was raised in Eagle River, Alaska along with his sister, Sam and attended Anchorage Christian School. This is where he met the love of his life, Sabrina (Brooks) Shanahan. Brett and Sabrina were married on May 12, 2007.

Brett joined the United States Marine Corps in 2008 and spent over 11-years active duty. During his time in service, he deployed twice to Afghanistan with Operation Enduring Freedom as a motor transport operator. Upon return from his deployments, Brett was hand picked to be the driver for the base General, Colonial and Sargeant major. He then spent 3-years overseas in Okinawa, Japan where he was a Chief of Operations in which he led over 80 Marines. He ended his service as a Drill Instructor on Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, where he trained over 2,000 recruits into Marines. Brett devoted his life and service to Mike Company, MMTTD. Brett was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, five times Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, two times Certificate of Commendations, two times Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, three times Marine Crops Good Conduct Medal, two times NATO Medal – ISAF Afghanistan Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Drill Instructor Ribbon and three times Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Brett and Sabrina welcomed twin boys, Brayden and Camden in 2011 and son, Asher in 2014. And most recently their family became complete with the birth of their daughter, Hadley in 2023.

Brett was a devoted and loving father. He loved the outdoors, motorsports, and fishing every summer throughout his childhood in Hoonah, Alaska, his happy place.

Brett is survived by his wife Sabrina and four children, Brayden, Camden, Asher, and Hadley. He is also survived by his parents, Marlene and Gerry Shanahan and his sister Sam (Gary) Martin. Uncle and father figure, Steve Brown and many other Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who loved him very much. Also survived by his in-laws Don and Cindy Brooks, sisters-in-law; Kristy (Alex) Clay, Jeannie (Matthew) Boschma, Amanda (David) Hebert and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving Aunt, Karlene Greenewald Brown and his devoted grandparents, Karl and Cecelia Greenewald and Edward and Kathleen Shanahan.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 29, 2024 at 10:00am at Christ Church, 1120 S Gilbert Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296. A reception will follow immediately after the service.

Brett will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be a source of comfort and strength during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, a GoFundMe page has been set up for Brett & Sabrina’s children; Brayden, Camden, Asher, and Hadley.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.