Obituary of Shea Thomas Callanan

Shea Thomas Callanan was born on a sunny day, April 25th, 2020, in Rochester, NY.  He passed sadly and unexpectedly on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Shea’s life was shaped by his extended family. His Pop Pop, Grandpa and Mema were a constant presence in helping raise him. His “Nana”. His Aunt Shannon and Uncle “Boy”. In his 4 ½ years with us, Shea lived the sweetest lifetime. Born in the height of the pandemic, his first year was one of time at home and socially distanced introductions to the world at large. But right around the time he learned to walk, the world opened back up all around him.

He lived a life filled with joy. He grew while spending his days strapped to his mom, or in a hiking backpack with his dad, or on the dock, or in a bike seat on the front of a beach cruiser. He was the ultimate come-with guy. To the grocery store, the gym, to pick up his sister, or to walk his dog, George. Anywhere, he was game.

His joy grew alongside him as he bonded with his daycare buddies, his “Crowd”, his “Framily”, his neighbors, his cousins, and most of all his older sister Lida Rose.  They spent every moment together adventuring, imagining, and loving (and kicking) each other. They were a real pair.

He loved fire trucks and monster trucks. Tractors and garbage trucks. Boat rides on Seneca Lake and sand castles on the beach. Pears, strawberries, oranges and chocolate chips.

Shea’s spirit, personality and laugh were always on display. He was verbose from a very young age. He loved to make people laugh with his eloquent explanations, quips or a mischievous smile.

From his balance bike to his two-wheeler, Shea loved riding his bike more than anything. We will always remember him this way. Doing loops in the St. Paul’s parking lot. Weaving through the School 23 playground. Shouting “Wooo-Hooo!!” just before reaching top speed with a smile beaming from his face.

Shea is survived by his father, Cornelius Callanan; his mother, Laura Callanan; his sister, Lida Rose Callanan; his Pop Pop, Thomas Doheny; his Grandpa, John Callanan; his Mema, Eleanor Callanan; his aunt “Nana”, Anneliese Doheny; his aunt, Shannon Schamel; his uncle “Boy”, Matthew Schamel; and his cousins, Callan, Finn and Charlotte Schamel. He is predeceased by his Oma, Doris Doheny.

Please join us on Saturday, October 19th from 11am to 1pm at St. Paul’s Parish Hall, where we will gather, share memories and play in Shea’s honor. All ages are welcome and encouraged to come celebrate Shea’s spirit. 13 Vick Park B, Rochester, NY 14607.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send any donations to the https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrate-sheas-life-support-sheas-play-fund , which will be used to enhance opportunities for play in the places he loved, and wherever the world is lacking. Details soon to follow.