Shawn Contois

Shawn P. Contois, 33

Grafton - Shawn P. Contois, a 33-year-old aspiring actor of great promise and boundless energy, died Saturday morning from injuries suffered in a two-car collision in Leominster. He lived with his parents, Richard F. Contois and Susan M. (Branowicki) Contois, at 90 East Street in North Grafton.

In addition to his parents, he leaves a brother, Justin Contois, and his wife, Kathrine Contois, of Montclair, Va., and their four children, Isla, Everett, Adelaide, and Owen; two sisters, Beth Contois of Lunenburg and her two children, Anthony and Giuliana Tammaro; and Jennifer Contois of Hudson.

Shawn attended Grafton public schools and received a diploma from Blackstone Regional Vocational Technical High School in Upton in 2003. He described himself as a jack-of-all-trades with extensive experience in landscaping and construction, and as proprietor of a small business specializing in custom vehicle detailing. He earned a reputation among clients, co-workers and employers alike for the enthusiasm he applied to every task, and for his sunny disposition, his character, and an infectious sense of humor. A great lover of sports and organized competition, he excelled in hockey and dirt-bike racing.

"I am proud of the fact that I have worked at a number of responsible jobs in a variety of workplaces, all of them involving discipline, hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn," he wrote of his own ambitions. "I am always looking for new opportunities to learn, to grow, and acquire new skills."

Shawn pursued his life-long goal to be an actor with zeal and determination, as a constantly expanding resume of credits, including appearances in such feature films as "Patriot's Day" and "Apocalypse," and his work in various television commercials and videos, attest.

As the shocking news of Shawn's untimely passing spread through the tight-knit world of the film industry, tributes and testimonials flooded his Facebook page. "A young, talented life taken too soon," one colleague wrote. "He was such a gentle soul, always willing to help anyone and always smiling," another added.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a memorial contribution be made in Shawn's name to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, 361 Newbury Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02115.

All are welcome to gather with Shawn's family and friends Thursday March 15th from 3pm to 6pm at Roney Funeral Home 152 Worcester St. N. Grafton, MA 01536 followed by a gathering to remember him at 6pm at the Post Office Pub 1 Ray Street North Grafton, MA 01536. A Book of Memories to share a memory of Shawn or message of sympathy with his family is available at:

www.RoneyFuneralHome.com