Shawn P. Kirwan

Shawn P. Kirwan, 60, of Gardner, died peacefully with family and friends at his side, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, after an illness.

Born in Gardner on July 19, 1963, he was the son of the late Charles Kirwan and Elaine Crowley. He was a graduate of Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School in Fitchburg. Shawn was most recently employed as a food pantry manager by Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center. He previously worked for other non-profit organizations throughout the area in facilities maintenance and inspections. Shawn was a parishioner of Annunciation Parish of Gardner, practicing at its Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church.

Shawn had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He truly cared and if you knew him, you knew it. He had a love for animals that went unmatched, especially for his dog Charley. Shawn was an avid sports fan and if a game was on tv, he was watching. He enjoyed playing cards with friends, Scrabble with his wife, listening to 80’s rock music and would never turn down a conversation about guitarists, Randy Rhoads or David Gilmour. Shawn will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family.

Shawn is survived and missed by his wife of 24-years, Linda (Belsky) Kirwan of Gardner; a stepdaughter, Krystle Ouellette of Ponte Verda Beach, FL; three brothers, Wayne Kirwan and his wife Jennifer of Winchendon, Dean Kirwan and his wife Michelle of Athol and Chris Kirwan and his wife Tisha of North Carolina; a sister Calleen Kirwan of Forest City, NC; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, funeral services will be private. 

A Celebration of Shawn’s Life will occur with details to be determined.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Alyssa’s Place, 297 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440. Please reference in memory of Shawn P. Kirwan.