Shawn M. McDonough ’01
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/berkshire/name/shawn-mcdonough-obituary?id=58975638#:~:text=Shawn%20McDonough%2C%2046%2C%20of%20Pittsfield,of%20the%20late%20Patrick%20McDonough.
Shawn McDonough, 46, of Pittsfield, passed away on July 7.
Born on April 15th, 1979, and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Shawn was the beloved son of the late Martin and Marilee McDonough, and cherished brother of the late Patrick McDonough.
Shawn attended Pittsfield Catholic schools, most notably a proud Crusader at Saint Joseph Central High School, where he was a standout athlete, playing basketball and baseball, and earning recognition as a star linebacker for the Saint Joe Crusaders football team. He was proud to have been part of the Crusaders’ 1995 Super Bowl championship. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont.
After college, Shawn chartered a new path – trading in spreadsheets for sawdust – and spent several years building homes before discovering his true passion: real estate investing and home remodeling. There wasn’t a house project he couldn’t tackle, and he took great pride in his work. He went on to personally develop many real estate successes with passion, devotion, and hands-on dedication.
He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hiking, kayaking, and exploring the beauty of the Berkshires. Some of his fondest memories were of childhood camping trips with his family at Lake Champlain, times he often reminisced about with a smile.
Above all, Shawn adored his family and was especially close to his mother. He will be remembered as one of the kindest and most loyal friends anyone could hope to have, someone with a heart of gold who would drop everything to help someone in need. His infectious laugh, warm smile, and generous spirit could brighten even the darkest day. Whether lending a hand on house projects, watching over friends’ children, or simply being the “fun uncle,” Shawn touched countless lives with his kindness and humor.
Shawn is survived by his aunt, Sharon Ostellino, and many cousins. Shawn’s heart was as big as his circle of friends, many of whom he considered family. Among those closest to him were his lifelong friend, Thomas Flatley and Tom’s wife Elizabeth “Sally”. Shawn also shared deep bonds with dear friends including Peter Dus, David O’Brien, Joshua Saunders, and Joshua Graham.