Emmett Michael Shaughnessy

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce that Emmett Michael Shaughnessy, age 32, passed away on July 12, 2021 surrounded by his family. Cherished and beloved son of Brian and Deborah Shaughnessy nee Garney. Loving brother of Kelly (Kevin) Gray, Neal (Nancy), and Colin (Sarah) Shaughnessy. Adored uncle of James and Alex Gray; Ava, Evan and Mason Shaughnessy; Bennett, Liam, Grace and Owen Shaughnessy. Dear nephew and cousin of many. Emmett was a loving partner to Katrina Denny with whom he raised two cats and a dog with nurturing care. Emmett grew up in Naperville, Illinois and attended Waubonsie Valley High School. He graduated from the University of Arizona and Chicago-Kent College of Law. He also studied at the National University of Ireland- Galway. Emmett moved to Chicago when he started law school in 2011. He was an outstanding attorney who began his legal career in 2014 as a judicial law clerk in the Circuit Court of Cook County. He then went into private practice in Chicago. His practice included defending product liability, professional negligence and property damage lawsuits. Emmett was an avid fan of the White Sox, Bears, Blackhawks, University of Arizona and Marquette University basketball. He also enjoyed sporting activities that included biking, roller blading, tennis and downhill skiing. He loved playing golf and rarely passed up an opportunity to play. Emmett and his brother, Colin started the Music Men DJ business when they were 10 and 12 years old, respectively and were the youngest members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. This love of music carried on into his adult life as he always knew what song to play at any moment. He also enjoyed playing guitar and singing beautiful songs he composed. An enthusiastic and curious traveler, he took every opportunity in his short life to venture out. Emmett had the opportunity to visit several European countries while studying in Ireland. He also traveled to Israel and visited Hawaii. There were family trips to Ireland, Montana and British Columbia, Canada. There were also the annual family vacations to his beloved Door County, Wisconsin. Emmett was a bright light in the world and will be remembered that way. He was an intelligent, kind and sensitive individual who will be missed everyday by his family and friends. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. He was always trying to make those around him laugh with a seemingly endless supply of jokes. He was a great friend who cared about people as evidenced by the fact that he was registered as an organ donor. His untimely death will result in unexpected gifts of his tissue and eyes to people he never knew and to other families living in hope. Emmett had so much goodness, so much capacity to bring happiness to others and such a bright future. We have lost a shining light in our lives. The world is a lesser place without him. "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not a mark of weakness, but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition and unspeakable love." - Washington Irving. Visitation Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 10:00 a.m. until an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 West Adams Street, Chicago, IL 60661. Internment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: National Multiple Sclerosis Society of Greater Illinois, 525 West Monroe Street, Suite 1510, Chicago, IL 60661. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or call (847) 675-1990.