They didn't have Pop Warner football when Leo Shanosky was growing up in Coaldale, so he had to begin his athletic career with the big boys.And he did just that.
At the age of 13, he earned a varsity football letter and went on to earn three more.Shanosky was the first in the history of the school to be selected to any of the All-State teams.The rugged two-way performer and captain of the 1946 squad captured a third-team berth on the All-State team.In addition to football, he was a weight man on the track team for several seasons.
An outstanding scholar, Shanosky moved on to the University of Pennsylvania where he became a member of the highly touted Quaker football team, which played big time football in the 40's and early 50's.At graduation, he was awarded a B. S. in economics.
Following graduation, Shanosky entered the Army during the Korean War.Stationed in Okinawa, he immediately became involved with the service's football and track programs.Upon discharge from the service, he continued his studies at the City College of New York, the College of Insurance, and the Raritan Valley Community College.
Most of Shanosky's working career was spent as Senior Vice President in the Munich Reinsurance Group, the largest reinsurer in the world.He kept in touch with young people by coaching Pop Warner football and teaching at the College of Insurance.
He is married to the former Helen Serdula of Coaldale.They have four children and eight grandchildren, and they reside in Somerset, N. J.
Several years ago Shanosky's brother Joe was inducted into the Hall of Fame, making them the first Coaldale brother act to be so honored.
