Shawn E. Leass was born on Feb. 19, 1964, in Findlay, Ohio, to Janice E. Leass and Ralph F. Leass. He was the youngest of his family. He loved deeply and was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him and being in his presence. Shawn and his sister spent their childhood summers at Findlay’s Riverside park and pool, as they always had season tickets to spend the summers there. Shawn was an excellent swimmer and developed quite a love for aqua activities then.
He received his education through Elida High School, in Lima, OH, and graduated from their automotive-mechanic program, in 1982. Upon graduation, Shawn enjoyed repairing race cars and racing them on speedway tracks. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling abroad. Along with some of his friends, Shawn discovered much adventure and opportunity in the Caribbean. He decided to move to St. Thomas, USVI, in the ‘90’s. It was there that he found self-employment as a scuba diver — maintaining boats and yachts, with much enthusiasm and provision for his livelihood. His favorite hobbies were to attend Rock and Roll concerts in the states, and perform as a bass guitar player for various pubs at ‘open mic nights.’ He had quite a collection of guitar picks from numerous concerts he had attended.
The St. Thomas community continues to mourn the loss of their beloved island musician, Shawn, as he was such a good friend to countless people. They have expressed both their surprise and sorrow at his untimely passing, resulting from an unexpected, tragic boating accident on the last night of St. Thomas’ annual ‘carnival,’ on Saturday evening, May 2, 2026.
He leaves behind a lifetime of memories to his mother, Jan E. Wooldridge, sister, Tracy M. Carr, brother-in–law, Cliff W. Carr and niece, Caralyn I. Dolney, and a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and good friends.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ service is being planned to be held on Shawn’s birthday, Friday, Feb. 19, 2027, at Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers, (340) 774-1464, at a time yet to be determined.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. (NIV)
