Obituary: Shawn Louis Szarmach, 58, Of Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — (From Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home): Shawn “Grub” Louis Szarmach, 58, of Stratford, longtime partner of Sharon Dunn, passed away unexpectedly on March 7, 2024. Shawn was born on October 8, 1965 in Bridgeport and spent his life in Stratford.

Shawn was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Kathleen Szarmach and his brother Donald Szarmach. In addition to Sharon, he is survived by his children Shawn and Britney as well as his brother Edward Szarmach, his daughter Claudia, brother Joseph Szarmach Jr and daughters Tiffany and Grace, brother James Szarmach and his wife Elizabeth, and many beloved cousins.

Shawn graduated from Bunnell High School and earned a certificate of completion from the University of New Haven in electroplating. He spent several years working at Milford Auto Recycling with his close friends the Cioffi brothers. Shawn loved being outdoors, a love that continued until the day of his passing which was spent with his friend Mike at MitchCo. Party Rentals.

Shawn’s biggest accomplishment was his children Shawn and Britney. He was extremely proud of them, talking about them every chance he could and you would think you personally knew them. Shawn loved them with his whole heart.

When Shawn wasn’t working or bragging about his children, he enjoyed listening to music and watching sports. His favorite band was Grand Funk Railroad along with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Kid Rock. One of his favorite activities was going to concerts with his loved ones especially Sharon.

Shawn excelled at sports as a kid and as he got older he won nearly every carnival game he played. His favorite teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Mets as well as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Bluefish. His favorite foods were Frank Pepe’s pizza and lobster, but he loved trying new food at every new restaurant.

Shawn with his smile and big brown eyes would light up every room he walked into. He was a free soul and one couldn’t help but fall in love with him. Shawn was a big story teller. He loved to tell stories and made people laugh with his jokes every day -- his favorites included reminiscing about the horses on the family homestead and the trips his family would take with his grandfather and cousins.

Shawn truly loved life and lived it to the fullest, didn’t care what anyone thought of him and lived every day like it was a new day with new opportunities.

Shawn will be forever missed and loved by family and friends. Heaven gained such a wonderful person, and he is definitely making everyone laugh. If there is a “rock n’ roll heaven” you know they got a hell of a man.

Friends may greet the family on Monday, March 18, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Dennis & D’Arcy – Abriola & Kelemen Funeral Home, 2611 Main St., Stratford. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford, Baptist Church, 131 Huntington Rd., Stratford, followed by a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery, 308 River Rd., Shelton.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Dennis & D'Arcy Funeral Home here.