Owen Schabio

Owen Schabio Jun 13, 1999 – March 7, 2020 It is with unspeakable sadness that the family of Owen A. Schabio announces his sudden death on March 7, 2020 at the age of 20 years. The son of William N. Schabio, Jr. and Brandy DeNote (née Tomasini), Owen grew up in North Tonawanda, New York and moved to Doylestown, Pennsylvania less than five years ago. He will forever be remembered for his sharp wit, imagination, sensitivity, and unparalleled sense of humor. Owen is survived by numerous family members and loved ones, including his brother Steven Swendsen (age 27), step-siblings Samuel and Lily Rapaport (12 and 11), stepmother Elisa Rapaport, all of Doylestown, PA; stepfather Michael DeNote III of Niagara Falls, NY; and girlfriend Colleen Jeffries of Buckingham, PA. Other family members include his uncle, Michael Schabio (Melinda), aunt Judith Schabio, aunt Jennifer Schabio Buell (George), and four nieces, all of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and close family friend Peter Rapaport. Owen is the grandson of Judy and Richard Tomasini, Jr., of Tonawanda, New York, and the late Beverly and William Schabio, Sr. of Lockport, New York. A 2017 graduate of the Solebury School in New Hope, PA, Owen attended Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey, on a merit-based scholarship before embarking on an aspiring career as a chef at Hart's Café and Candlewyk. He loved hockey, volleyball, chess, attending concerts, and spending time at the family's beach house in Island Heights, New Jersey. Always inquisitive, Owen read extensively and tried his hand at innumerable interests, from acting to investing in the stock market to playing obscure musical instruments such as the theremin. He generously spent his time with his siblings, bringing his unique mix of enthusiasm, patience, and competitive spirit. In North Tonawanda, he volunteered with the Boys and Girls Club, coaching a championship youth hockey team and helped raise funds for several years through the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. In high school he interned with the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect and continued to serve as a member of the Youth Council and annual gala host committee. The last week of his life was spent hiking the Hawaiian Islands with his girlfriend, expressing awe at the surreal beauty of the world and the power of the earth to reshape itself. As a classmate remembers him, Owen's "energy and presence was unmatched and always brought a smile" wherever he went. He was a most beloved character who gave more than he ever took. A memorial service will be held privately for friends and family. Due to current circumstances the service will not be open to the public. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Owen's honor to the Roswell Park Cancer Center in Buffalo: https://www.roswellpark.org/giving/donate To share your fondest memories of Owen please visit www.lifecelebration.com To upload a video or a favorite photo, please visit https://www.memories.net/skymorial/3072/owen-schabio Life Celebration services provided by Leaver/Cable of Buckingham