I can’t believe it’s been 8 years! Missing you today more than ever. Thank you for still showing up from time to time, I love you for that. You are always loved, and never forgotten. I’ll see you in my dreams. Xoxo, Eileen

My heart is broken, i just heard a few hours ago that Derek is gone. I thought it was weird that he didn't contact me this year about the marathon. That was our thing, watching the marathon with drinks at vox, or going to octoberfest, basically anything in boston that was a party. He was my partner in crime, and today, I heard the location of the second bomb at the marathon went off in front of vox. I remembered that that is where we would go on marathon monday, so i texted him to make sure he was ok. Along with derek, i texted two other friends I thought may have been in boston yesterday. One of them knows a mutual friend of derek. I called her and said "Liz, I need you to get derek's number from ?, i just texed him to make sure he was ok, and no response. Then I called him, and the number has been disconnected" My friend, not realizing the connection, had to break the news to me. Needless to say,I'm devastated. We recently texted about bable's wedding and we were going to go to dinner at some point. We put it off and put it off and you think you have time.... I'm so sorry I wasn't at the services, I had no idea, i'm not on facebook, and I didn't keep in contact with any of his friends. It was just me and derek, we would text or talk from time to time. I can't believe you're gone! I drove your truck, how many people can say that! I remember the "easy" button on the dash. I was wondering why you didn't text me back, now I know why. Mazzy Starr, Fade into you, You remember that night! I love you Derek, and all our memories together..."Who????". I was sitting on my sun porch crying earlier, and i could hear a car/truck ideing, I didn't get up to look, but then saw the top of a red pickup truck drive by. I still can't believe you're gone, I will miss you so much. i love you.
Eileen Currier

I had the pleasure of coaching Derek @ Worcester Academy in both Basketball and Football. He was a very intense athlete and student. I remember he battling under the boards and snatching rebounds away from taller players. On the football field, I will always remember how good his hands were catching passes in traffic. My heart and prayers go out to the Shann Family

I feel and understand your grief, devastation, shock ,heartache, disbeleif and hurt.;ma Derick's memeories help soothe all you all feel. Cindy, mo of Gus, 32 Fred 31 ad the late Frankie May born 22 August 1977 and left this earth after a batle with a liver ailment, which she fought courageously until she could not fifgt anymore. RIP Frankie May and Derck;love all thise who knew you and will never forget you.

I met Derek Shann when I accompanied my dad on a business trip to Boston as a kid. I was maybe 10 years old and we went to a Boston College football game with the Shann family. My dad and Mr. Shann worked in the same industry and they took us to the game that day. I remember I bought a BC hat that had wings on it that moved when u pulled a string attached to the hat. I remember just meeting Derek and him looking at my hat like it was probably the lamest hat he had ever seen. Haha. Though he was probably right, I wore that hat all game and pulled the strings activating the flapping eagle wings on the sides, hoping for a quick cameo on TV that day. Dont think it happened.

Not sure I left Boston leaving a very good first impression to Derek of the kid from California with the stupid hat.

Fast forward some years. Derek and I were finishing our senior years of high school, his at Weston and mine in California. Because of my dad's relationship with the Shann family, Derek and I ended up at the same prep school, Worcester Academy, for a post graduate year. Little did I know when I was 10 years old visiting Boston for the first time that Derek and I would be lining up next to each other on the football field and the basketball court, and in the classroom I suppose at WA. Being the only kid west of New England, Derek was a great friend and teammate and made me feel welcome in a very distant land away from family and friends. I will always appreciate that and will remember the great, and tough, times we had there, and the battles we had on the football fields and basketball courts. I still can here that super deep voice of his and will always remember his unmistakeable laugh. Until our next game...

From the first time we met Derek...a tall sweet 12-year-old with a twinkle in his eye, standing on our doorstep carrying a plate of cookies to welcome our family to the neighborhood; and through the years of neighborly encounters- washing the car on Sunday afternoons with U2 turned up on the radio, hiking to the pond out back, telling stories of our place before we were there, and later chatting with the complimentary Mr. Mercer at our home over cocktails, and even measuring the distances between trees in our yard for his case history in Landscape Design, Derek always offered a bright smile and a wave to the kids and us...we knew he had a truly generous heart of gold - and we will keep these gifts from him with us always. Very deepest sympathies to you, Mary and Ryan and the whole family. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. With much sadness and much love, The Weber Family

R.I.P Derek. Have not seen you since 5th grade but you and the rest of Country/Woodland crew have always remained in my heart. Thoughts and prayers to the entire Shann family

My thoughts and prayers are with Derek's family. He was always a guy who was fun to be around, had a great spirit, and an affable style. It is so sad to hear of his passing at such an early age. Rest in peace Derek.

We're very sorry to hear about your loss. From our family to yours, may Derek rest in peace.

Derek ;we on this earth will always sense your absence and day to day life will always be missing your wonderful presence .It is never going to be the same not to expect to see you when I visit. From years ago when we played the transformer cars in Cairo together to when I saw you tower and grow to the handsome blonde prince you became you have always brought sunshine to my days every time I saw you when you knocked on my door to help me move the heavy furniture to when I saw you and your family on Thanksgiving days . We now have to say Goodbye and give thanks to the happiness you brought to us ;though short lived here on earth our only consolation is the promise of eternal life for us all to reunite by the heart of God for no matter how long or short ones life is it surely passes all too fast Mary and Greg even though we could loose faith in life ,may God console you with His peace and strengthen your faith in Him .
Mary my heart is always with you The pain is unbelievable but hang in there for Ryan and Greg and like always let your faith overcome.
Ryan and Carla may God give you peace that would be difficult to understand and may you continue to sense the joy of Derek's presence and spirit even though he is physically absent . I am sure he will be equally there for you he has always been at all times now even more empowered by heaven.
Love to all of you and all the family .

Kenny,

Please accept my sincere condolences.

I only knew Derek for the past two years and assisted him coaching last year. We shared a passion in basketball. He loved helping the kids. 35 is too young. God rest, Derek.

I also had the honor of knowing Derek for many years and although we lost touch I never lost the respect and honor of having him as a friend. I have so many wonderful memories that will live on. My sympathy goes out to his entire family and all the mutual friends and beyond. I know you will watch over us all as you did while you were here.

We will all miss you Shann. You were a great friend and an even better role model for your younger brother Kenny. Our deepest sympathies go out to the Shann family. Until we meet again may you rest in peace.

Derek was larger than life and had a heart of gold. He helped me through some very difficult times. He never stopped caring. Starting in Junior year of high school and throughout college and then afterward, there are so many good memories and Derek's laugh, smile, booming voice and giant hugs are all very much a part of them. My heart goes out to his family and to the huge number of other people that he was able to touch in his short life. Love and Miss you Derek. Rest easy angel.

We are so sorry to hear about your tragic loss, and are so glad we had the chance to get to know Derek. He was a great guy and we will miss him. He and the Shann family are in our thoughts and prayers.
-Denise & Jimmy Plunkett

Our deepest sympathy to Heather,Kenny and the entire Shann family. Derek was a friendly neighbor. With a wave and a smile coming from his big red truck, you knew he was busy helping someone. He was a great big brother and role model, too. Taken way too soon!

My thoughts and prayers are with Derek and his beloved family and friends he left behind - what a tragic loss. He loved dearly Big D had a heart of gold and matching smile to boot and always extending a helping hand - I will miss my friend Derek and am grateful to have known him. Love and peace. Amy

Although I didn't ever officially meet Derek. I work next door to his home...he would always give a wave when he passed by in his red truck..I was shocked to hear of his passing..my condolences to his entire family and friends..

Mary, As you know, Mimi is my best friend and I was so sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts are totally with you at this time. I know Mimi is there with you as she is such a wonderful friend. Words are hard to express how devastating it is. Love .....Anne

Mary & Greg Our thoughts and prayers are with you..We still have vivid memories of your two handsome boys,@ Sunday Mass ( Pope John Seminary) over the years in Weston.
Peace, Prayers and God Bless to you All.
Jack & Bina Crowley
Amelia Island, Florida

I knew Derek from UMASS. He was a great guy, always with a smile. I am so sorry for your loss and my heart and prayers are with your family.

We will always remember Derek as a young rambunctious red head scampering about the pool in Weston--so full of fun and life. Our deepest sympathies to dear Mary and Ryan and all the family and much, much love at this difficult time.

Derek was one of my best friends, roommate for many years, brother and partner in crime. I will always miss you. Have a tall one waiting for me on the other side.

All my warmth and love to the Shann family and Derek's besties. Derek will live on in my memory as a wonderful guy.

Mary, Ryan, Greg:

Very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you.

God Bless.

Tom

My heart breaks for the Shann family and Derek's friends. He will never know how many people's lives he has touched. Thanks for the memories. I will miss you!

I had the pleasure of meeting Derek only a handful of times but I will never forget how genuinely nice he was, and funny too. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends; may his memory and smile bring you peace during this time.

Derek you were a great friend at UMASS. My condolences go out to the Shann family. You will be missed...

Derek alway greeted people with a smile, a hug and left you laughing. He will be missed but lives on in our hearts. Thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.

We miss you big man, you were one of the best. Big personality...bigger heart. I know you are up there making your Dad and everyone else laugh. Keep smiling, your spirit will live forever- God bless

Dear Mary and Greg, Our prayers are with Derek and our thoughts are with you Mary, and the Shann, Plunkett, and Halligan families on the tragic loss of Derek. Tom and Ann Galligan Weston

One of the nicest and most sincere guys I ever met.......always happy to see you and never in a bad mood.......he helped me a lot at UMass as a fellow turf student.........it is sad to think no one will ever see the big red Ford F350 coming around the corner again.......u will be missed and I am honored to have known him.........my thoughts and prayers go out to the Shann family

We are so sorry to hear this news, our thoughts and prayers are eith the entire Shann family.

Love,
Strachan Family

Derek,

You are one of a kind and I miss you every day, proud to call you a friend for these 27 years, it's not the same without you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Derek was a great guy. My condolences to his entire family.

I am sorry to hear about the news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Shann family.

Pete & I send our deepest sympathy to you, Mary, as well as to Ryan and all of your family. Such a heart breaking tragedy to loose your precious Derek at this early age.
PATTY THOMPSON

Derek I will never forget you. You have always been a true friend. We had so many good times together over the year's. I miss you buddy.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Shann family and all of Derek's friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Sincerely,
Ray and Peggy Dugas and family

Heather and Kenny,

I am so, so sorry to hear about Derek. He was such a great brother to Kenny. Please know that you both are in my thoughts and hopefully the memories will make you smile.

Love, Pattie Leach

The Falmouth Travel Basketball Community sends our deepest condolences to the Shann Family.

It is surreal to be writing something to say goodbye to Derek. It is still unbelievable that you are gone. You were a one of a kind guy who touched lives and filled a room wherever you were. You are loved and missed by so many. Big D, your hugs, warmth, and big heart will NEVER be forgotten.

So sorry to hear of this loss - all the de Lacys' thoughts and prayers are with the Shann family.

Derek was the the type of friend that you could call up after several years and start off right where you left off. If you were his friend, you would always be his friend. He had your back when you needed him. His shoulders were big not just in the literal sense- he carried a lot of us on those shoulders at various times. Forever grateful to have known him, loved him and called him my friend.

since I heard the news, my mind has been reeling with memories of derek. my high school + college years are filled with them! he was such a big presence, both physically + in personality. as is everyone, I'm stunned + heartbroken and am thinking of his family + closest friends at this time.

Our deepest sympathies to Heather and Kenny and all of Derek's family and friends. We have not known Derek long, but long enough to know how caring and generous he was to give his time to coach the Falmouth boys. We were very sad to hear of his passing far too young. He will be missed.

Derek was a young man that everyone liked to be around, even we who coached him enjoyed his personality,humor,loyalty and intensity. Derek will be missed by all who knew him.

My heart and prayers go out to Derek's family. I will always remember Derek for his smile and his contagious laughter. He always seemed he was having a good time and loved hanging out with the guys. He had a nickname for everyone, and was to the word a True Friend. I will never forget him and will miss him always.

My heart and prayers go out to the Shann family. I haven't seen you since 9th grade, but I especially remember your great sense of humor. You definitely knew how to lighten up a room. We spent 5 years of school together and every year you made me laugh. Rest in paradise, friend. 'Til we meet again.

I will remember his big smile, even bigger hugs and his infectious belly laugh. I know my Dad was waiting to greet you at the gates, sweet Derek. May your journey continue in Peace.

A sincere, selfless and loyal friend to many of us taken too soon. A true guy's guy. We are proud to have shared many memorable moments with DShann. His personality was magnetic and he always lit up a room with his humor and charm. We will miss that big grin that he greeted us with on many occasions. There will be a huge void at our future friend gatherings, but Derek's spirit and legacy will live on. We lost a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

He was the type of friend that you'd be lucky to have one or two of over the course of your life. I was one of the lucky ones that had that. Not sure how to now fill the void he left inside of me, but I can tell you he'd be making sure I filled it with something positive if he was still here! So that what's ill do for you D! Ill keep being true! Thank for always being you D! Lol, thanks for always being YOU! RIP brother man! You did more for me than you'll ever truly know! Peace kid!

Such a tragedy at such a young age. The entire WHS community mourns this loss.

My heart goes out to Derek's family. He is truly the most generous, caring, funny, lovable man I know. I am truly blessed to have known him and spent so many fun times with him. He will be missed tremendously.

Derek was the most wonderful guy. His smile, laugh, caring for others and sincerity will be surely missed. He was always present to help others when needed and helped out for some without even being asked. I will miss our campfires! Heaven has the biggest and BEST angel ever! Have fun up there big D. Lot's of Love and Peace to the Shann family, Heidi, Joe and John.

I'll miss my friend!

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Shann family. Derek, a first class young man, was a neighbor here in North Falmouth and just a wonderful friend and project companion.
Derek will be sorely missed by all who had pleasure of knowing him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Shann Family. What a great fun- loving guy taken from us far too soon. I will always cherish all the memories. RIP Derek. You will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Shann Family. Derek will certainly be missed by all who knew him. He was a great guy.

Derek Shann. A friend to so many. He touched more lives than he will ever know. What a guy taken from us all much to soon. A UMass tailgate/game won't be the same without him. I will forever cherish all the fun times I was fortunate enough to spend with Derek. Forever my "buddy". My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Shann Family.

So saddened to hear of Derek's passing. He was a terrific young man whom I enjoyed always.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
R.I.P, my friend.

Alan Lazzari

Derek's infectious laugh, sly grin and zest for life will be missed by so many. His spirit will live on through all who were lucky enough to have met him. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Shann family.

Thoughts and prayers to the family! He will be greatly missed! Didn't know Derek all to well but the memories from the times we spent together were deff fun! Rest easy!

My Heart hurts for you & your Family. Wonderful Memories will be forever etched in my mind of this terrific guy! God Bless you & your Family~~

The Fulchino family sends our deepest sympathies. Our hearts are with the Shann family and Derek's closest friends during this time.

The Agnello Family sends our deepest condolences.

the entire nussbaum family is enormously sad and we send our deepest condolences and love to ryan and mary shann.