Ignatius Shambro

Ignatius "Nay" James Shambro, 82, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, after spending his last years at Certus at Waterford Lakes in Orlando, Florida.

Nay was born on June 23, 1944 in Granite City, Illinois to Clifford and Velma Shambro. He graduated from Venice High School in Venice, Illinois. On June 21, 1974, he married the love of his life, Anne Shambro, whom he met at a Christian adult weekend retreat at Camp Ondessonk. Together, they made their home in O'Fallon, Illinois, where they built a life centered around faith, love, family, and service to others. They were blessed to adopt three children and create a loving family that was always the center of Nay's world.

Nay’s first job was at Millmore Steel Fabrication Co. in Venice, Illinois. At the age of 18, he began his career as a telephone lineman with Southwestern Bell Telephone, where he worked for 37 years. After retiring, Nay worked at The Home Depot in Edwardsville, Illinois, in the Electrical Department. He enjoyed helping customers, sharing his knowledge, and using the experience he had gained throughout his career to help others.

Above all else, family always came first for Nay. His greatest joy in life was being a husband, father, and grandfather. He devoted countless hours to serving as a Boy Scout leader, first for his sons and later for his grandson. He also coached soccer and T-ball for his children and niece.

Nay was truly a gentle soul. He had a kind heart, a charming smile, and a warmth that made people feel comfortable in his presence. He was not a person who spoke unkindly of others and seemed to always find a way to treat everyone with patience, dignity, and respect. He was the type of person who would quietly help someone in need without ever expecting recognition or anything in return. His kindness was simply part of who he was.

Nay was also very proud of his Italian heritage and enjoyed sharing that part of his life with his family. He had a particular love for Italian food, especially pasta of all kinds—and, of course, spaghetti and meatballs, his favorite. These simple traditions and favorite foods became part of the many memories his family will treasure.

Nay loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, taking peaceful walks with Anne, and spending time doing activities with his grandchildren. Some of his happiest moments were spent simply being with the people he loved. He was also a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and treasured every opportunity to watch them play or attend games.

A devoted Catholic, Nay lived his faith every day through his kindness, generosity, humility, and willingness to serve others. He attended St. Clare Catholic Church and was an adult leader for high school teens. He was actively involved in the Belleville Area Right to Life Organization, as well as the Blue Army, a group promoting recitation of the Rosary. His faith was not simply something he practiced on Sundays—it was something he carried with him throughout his life. He believed in serving others without expecting anything in return and quietly gave his time and talents whenever someone needed him.

Nay's gentle spirit, compassionate heart, beautiful smile, strong faith, infectious laugh, and unconditional love for his family left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He gave freely of himself and never needed recognition for the good he did.

Nay was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bob, and sister, Margie. He is survived by his beloved wife, Anne Shambro (nee O’Connell), his children Matt Shambro, Dan Shambro, and Christina (Eric) Chapple, his grandchildren Connor, Mariah, Kirsten and Holden Chapple, his sister, Sr. Mary Zachary of the Child Jesus, and brother John ( Paula) Shambro, as well as many other cherished family members and friends.

Though his family grieves the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, they find comfort in knowing that Nay has been welcomed into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior.

His legacy of faith, love, humility, kindness, service, and devotion to family will live on through the many lives he touched. The lessons he taught, the memories he created, his gentle smile, and the love he gave so freely will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

The family asks for your continued prayers as they celebrate Ignatius' life and honor the incredible example he set for all who knew and loved him.

Please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Nay's life and legacy.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.

Visitation will also be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Saint Clare Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.

A Mass of Chrisian Burial will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Clare Catholic Church, O’Fallon, IL.  Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.