Shaun D. Shanahan, 57, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026, at Tufts Medical Center after a courageous battle with end-stage heart failure. He left this world the same way he lived in it—surrounded by love, with his daughter by his side.

Born on November 14, 1968, in Lowell, Massachusetts, Shaun spent his childhood between Lowell and Plaistow, New Hampshire. He attended Lowell Technical High School before graduating from Timberlane High School with the Class of 1986.

If there was a job to be done, chances are Shaun had done it—and probably worked two others at the same time. Over the years he was a car salesman, line cook, salesperson at Campers Inn, part of the team at Heritage Ice Cream, co-owner of the Route 28 Diner with his former wife Shelley, and a familiar face behind the grill at the Owl Diner in Lowell.

His true calling, however, was public service. Shaun dedicated more than thirteen years to the City of Lowell, serving in the Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Management, and eventually as a Building Inspector. In October 2014, he was appointed Building Commissioner, a role he cherished. While he earned numerous professional licenses and certifications, what people remember most was his willingness to listen, solve problems, and genuinely care for the residents of the city he loved. In 2018, he continued that work as Building Commissioner for the Town of Chelmsford until a workplace accident in 2021 resulted in the loss of his leg and ultimately led to his retirement.

To know Shaun was to know that life was meant to be lived. He loved the beach, scuba diving, spontaneous adventures, and collecting stories that usually started with, “You’re never going to believe this…” His philosophy was simple: try everything once. Illness, injury, setbacks, and finances were merely obstacles to navigate—not reasons to stop living.

He could talk a dog off a meat wagon, make friends with complete strangers in under five minutes, and somehow convince everyone around him that everything was going to be okay. He was endlessly generous, often giving the shirt off his back to someone who needed it more. He had a larger-than-life personality, an infectious laugh, and a talent for making even the hardest days a little lighter.

Shaun worked hard. He lived fast. And he loved loudly.

He is survived by his daughter, Kaile Moore, and her husband, Christopher, and by his son, Codey Shanahan, all of Concord, New Hampshire; their mother, Shelley Shanahan, with whom he shared the greatest joy of his life—his children; his father, Thomas Shanahan, and stepmother, Marybeth Shanahan; his stepfather, Christopher Wahlen; his brother, Jeffrey Shanahan and his wife, Kelly; his sister, Melissa Melesky and her husband, Steve; his step-siblings, Martha, Kelly, Scott, and Faith; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and hundreds of friends who became family over the years.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Sheryl Wahlen.

In keeping with Shaun’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. The Mass will be held on July 8th at St. Patrick's church in Lowell, MA at 11:00 AM with the celebration of life afterwards at Lenzi's - 810 Merrimack Avenue Dracut, MA. Donations can be made to The Bridge Club of Greater Lowell, in lieu of flowers.

If Shaun taught us anything, it was that life is far too short to wait for the “right time.” Take the trip. Tell people you love them. Help someone when you can. Laugh loudly. Be kind. Try everything once.

That is how he lived. The best way to honor him is to do the same.

Assisting the family with arrangements is the Cremation Society of NH, Manchester.

To view Shaun's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.