Allen M. Shinn, Jr.

Allen Mayhew Shinn Jr., son of Allen Sr. and Sevilla Shuey Shinn, was born on June 17, 1937 in Pensacola, Florida and passed on July 2, 2026 in Cambridge, Maryland.

 Al is survived by: his wife Angela Parks Shinn; his former wife Kitty Forest; his dear friend Gohar Lputian; his son Richard Shinn (Djoke) and daughter Jessica Shinn Fromuth (Peter); his Step Daughter Ani Lputian Sookias (John Michael); his brothers James Shinn and Jonathan Shinn (Alice); his Granddaughter Katya Fromuth, Step-son Scott Frankel (Kathy) and Step-grandsons Jeffrey Fromuth, Christopher Frankel (Victoria) and Joseph Frankel; his Step granddaughters Whitney Frankel and Olive Aida Sookias; his Step great-grandchildren Braylan Frankel and Emery Frankel; his sister-in-law Debra Jane Parks, his wife's three Aunts; Diane Holliday Glover, Carolyn Armiger and Doris Abbott and his wife's Great-Aunt Barbara Holliday. Al has many biological and step nieces, nephews, and cousins who cared deeply for him.

Al’s government employment spanned over 40 years beginning with his training at the US Naval Academy. Although his father was the no-nonsense Commandant at the time and Al junior an inveterate prankster, he described those days as some of his best. He often spoke warmly of his buds in Company 13, Class of 1959 and was a frequent attendee at reunions.

As a newly minted “ring-knocker” (Annapolis grad), the 6’4’’ ensign Shinn chose a career in the submarine force, serving in GATO class subs where the average ceiling height was 6’. Al regaled and enthralled his family with stories of his favorite sub, the storied USS Tunny where he served as Executive Officer before leaving the service.

In 1969 Al completed a PhD in Political Science at the University of North Carolina, and then taught political science at the University of Texas. In 1971 he joined the National Science Foundation where he served in many capacities for almost 20 years. As a former mariner, one of his most enjoyable billets was Director of the Office of Scientific Ocean Drilling. As a part of the NSF’s international team, Al helped negotiate scientific agreements with the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China, and led the Foundation’s effort to establish a Saudi science agency. 

Al’s wide experience and political insight led to his last assignment as Deputy Director of the Office of Legislative and Public Affairs, contributing to a time of extraordinary growth and positive change for the Foundation. 

While at the NSF, Al studied law at night, earning a JD from George Washington University Law School. After leaving the Foundation and a few years with a DC law firm, Al was awarded a Fulbright scholarship in 1994 and taught trade law at Sofia University, Bulgaria. On his return to the States, Al became director of legal education at the International Law Institute in DC in economic development.

In 1997 his assignment took him to Tbilisi, Georgia, Serbia and Montenegro, Kosovo, and Central Asia. Al retired after a 4-year project for USAID on International Trade Reform in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. 

After Al retired, he spent more time on Martha’s Vineyard, remodeling his family home in Edgartown. Shortly thereafter, Al moved to Cambridge which enhanced his life in many ways. He formed many friendships with his Monday tennis buddies, the Wednesday morning Diner group, neighbors, Cambridge Yacht Club members, and Angela’s Dorchester County friends and family.

Al loved flying his Vintage Stinson airplane locally, to Massey, to Martha’s Vineyard and Delaware. His longest trip was across the US and back with his close friend from the Naval Academy Jacques Naviaux. He also built a Van’s RV-7 airplane in his garage. His Parkinson’s Disease prevented completion but his perseverance and skills were admired by many. 

Although Al lived a full, exciting and adventurous life, he felt his greatest accomplishments were his children Richard and Jessica, and Ani who he loved like a daughter.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, his Aunt Betsy Shuey, his sister-in-law Pat Shinn, and his mother-in-law Nancy Holliday Parks.

Thank you to our friends and family, former Choptank neighbors and present Hambrooks neighbors who called, sent cards, visited, or sent heartfelt messages. Al appreciated every gesture. A special thank you to those who provided love and support in Al’s final days - Evan Hillerbrand, William Clyde, Dawn and Bill Ventress, John Lennon and Linda Jo and Rodney Clough. Thanks also to "Al's girls" who provided exceptional 24-hour care from B&B Gentle Touch Assistance - LaToy, Esmeralda, Shannon, Sandra, Nicole, Larissa, and Brenda. Thanks to the Staff at Coastal Hospice, Mallard Bay and Thomas Funeral Home for their compassion and competence.

Everyone is invited to honor and celebrate Al at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veteran’s Cemetery, 6827 East New Market - Ellwood Road in Hurlock, MD on September 30, 2026 at 1:00 and to the gathering directly after the ceremony.  Rev. Steve Bloodsworth will be officiating at the service.