Shawn Tierney

— Shawn Salem Joseph Tierney, 46, of Salem, passed away peacefully May 30, 2023, at 4:20 p.m. at home surrounded by loved ones. Shawn was born July 5, 1976, to Lori and John Tierney of Salem.

After graduating from East Lyme High School in 1995, Shawn fulfilled his dream of becoming a custom carpenter, following in the footsteps of his father John, and late grandfather Ray. In 2008, Shawn achieved his greatest accomplishment of becoming a dad. His face would light up with joy and pride when he talked about his daughter Laurel.

He was born with a naturally sweet and kind soul, a heart of gold and a big smile for everyone he met. Shawn was an avid outdoorsman! Rain or shine, any time of year, you could find Shawn on a trail riding his mountain bike, on a river or in the ocean paddling one of his kayaks. Snowy winters were spent snowboarding and on hot summer days, you could find Shawn swimming in any body of water, usually the ocean. Shawn was also known for his epic bonfires and love for music.

He will always be remembered with much love by his parents, Lori and John; his “little” brother Brendon Tierney

and his wife Sue (Eshenfelder) and their three children, Owen, Oliver and Celia; his “baby” sister Meghan and her husband Adam Wolfrey and their daughter Quinn; his girlfriend Christen Carey and her son Zachary; but most importantly his daughter Laurel Tierney and her mother Adrienne Tierney. Shawn was also greatly loved and will be missed by his deeply saddened aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends whom he cherished.

We can all find solace in knowing he’s been reunited with his grandparents, Ray, Pauline, Robert and Shirley; cousin Andrew; and motherin-law Lauren. What a joyous reunion it must have been for them all!

We will be honoring

Shawn’s wishes for a private ceremony to scatter his ashes at the dunes in Rhode Island. There will be a Celebration of Life for Shawn from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 16, at McCook’s Point Park Pavilion in Niantic; all are invited. In lieu of flowers, his family would appreciate donations to support his daughter Laurel. Checks can be made out directly to her, Laurel Tierney, and mailed to Laurel Tierney, P.O. Box 12, Niantic, CT 06357.