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Sean McNulty Obituary
Sean McNulty, aged 40, passed away on July 10, 2024. Born on March 9th, 1984 in Chicago, IL, Sean was many things, a beloved son, brother, father & friend who brought joy and light to all who knew him.
Sean was known for his quick wit, infectious laughter, & generous spirit. He had a passion for live music, art, spontaneous fun & chasing rainbows. His creativity & enthusiasm were evident in everything he did. Those who had the privilege of knowing Seany will always remember his sense of humor, cleverness & intelligence.
Sean remained a source of love & support for his family & friends. His struggles do not define him but remind us of the strength & resilience he exhibited throughout his life. He is survived by his son, Riley West, his brother, James (Devin) McNulty, sisters Anni McNulty & Katie (Brian) Pond, & countless aunts, uncles & cousins who will continue to cherish the memories they made with him. Sean is preceded in life by his father, James D. McNulty, CFD, & his mother Debra Hahn McNulty.
In honoring Sean's memory, we celebrate the beautiful moments we shared with him & the impact he had on our lives. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled, but his spirit will forever remain in our hearts. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to support the educational expenses of Riley West - Venmo@Anni-McNulty
Rest in peace, Sean. You finally get to ride that shooting star!
15 Entries
Jack Greenwood
August 19, 2024
My name is Jack Greenwood and I live at 2010 W. Hazelwood Street in Phoenix. We have two rather important pieces of mail addressed to Sean. Please call or text me at 480-594-9937 and we can get them to you. You can also reach me at [email protected].
On another note, it sounds like Sean was a beautiful soul and departed this world far too soon. I only wish you the best in your time of pain, just always remember: Light and Love.
Jack Greenwood
Phoenix, AZ
Brian Finch
August 7, 2024
I´ll always remember our family trip to Hilton Head..Great time..Also watching the Bulls Pacers game 7 in your room..was so tense even as kids..
Also our White Sox team in BAC!!We had a squad!
One of my favorite memories was when I got a splinter at evergreen racquet and fitness, was crying like a baby..you rushed right to comfort me..that always stuck with me..
Also..at my moms wake you told me that she sent you some money while you were in school,and you said "that was one of coolest thing anyone has done..
Debby stayed with my mom to her last days..I´ll never forget that.. My favorite memory was at Phish when you popped out of nowhere with this crazy smile and we caught up..Great moment.. Thanks for the memories!
Brian Finch & family
Dedra Jensen
July 19, 2024
Rest in peace Sean. Remembering you as little boy playing with Jimmy & your dad.
Peace and condolences to all the family Dee Jensen & family
Jack Reilly
July 19, 2024
My deepest condolences to all the McNultys, and to all those who knew and loved Sean.
I didn´t know Sean McNulty the man. We lost touch in high school, as so many of us do with childhood friends, and we only crossed paths sporadically over the ensuing years, usually at a bar or some loud party, where a deep catch-up wasn´t in the cards. A hug, a joke. "What have you been up to?" I wish I had seen him some place quieter.
But in some ways, I knew Sean as well as anybody. I knew the boy. For a few years there he was my best friend. I knew the whip-smart kid from Leavitt, all baby fat and spiky blond hair, untainted by the struggles of growing up, care-free and looking for fun. Perhaps it was the best version of him. Perhaps it was of me too.
Sean could turn his eye-lids inside out. It was hilarious and frightening. He could also pull off almost any fatality in the video game Mortal Kombat, which was also hilarious and frightening.
I can still picture his block like the back of my hand. The alleyway and backyards. Perfect for capture the flag or catch-one-catch-all. We´d spend hours in his basement, constructing elaborate mazes for his gerbils out of old VHS tapes. It was very scientific, and detailed notes were taken. We´d read Foxtrot and Calvin and Hobbes all afternoon. He introduced me to R.L. Stine in the third grade. I stuck to Goosebumps, while he quickly graduated to Fear Street, much to our teacher´s chagrin. On mornings after sleepovers, his Dad would make us Swedish pancakes, (thin like paper, rolled into a scroll with cinnamon and butter inside.) It was the greatest breakfast in the world. We´d ride bikes for hours. He´d tease me about girls. We could never get our hands on enough fireworks.
Sean was the smartest kid in our grade. He wanted to be an anasteseologist. I didn´t know what that was, but he promised me the pay was great, and that it wasn´t even that hard. In 8th grade our teacher Mr. Dressel would divide us into teams each Friday and we´d play a customized version of Jeopardy, with clues and categories scrawled across the chalkboard. Sean was a team unto himself, and routinely wiped the floor with us.
Occasionally Sean would get down. I never understood why. He´d go mute and stare out the window, ignoring my concern. After a while, I´d inform him that I was going to leave, and he´d snap out of it as if nothing happened, ready to play once more and have some fun. It made me worry about him, like so many would.
In 5th grade Sean convinced me to go to Camp Ondessonk downstate. I had never been away from home for that long and tried to hide my tears on the bus as we pulled out of the parking lot. Sean saw me. He didn´t say anything. He just sat down next to me, took out some paper and started to draw. Eventually I asked him for one and started doing the same. He knew I loved to draw. He was the smartest kid I knew.
Say hi to your Dad for me Sean. I miss him. Now I´ll miss you. We´ll catch up soon.
Your friend always.
Jack Reilly
How you can show support
Connor Yanz
July 18, 2024
One year in high school I ran into my brother Luke with Sean and some of their friends at Lollapalooza, and Luke let me hang out with them for a while. We were sitting in the grass by the northwest stage and somebody brought back beers for everyone, I remember thinking "just be cool, dont say anything stupid in front of the older kids." Sean was in the middle of a big story and had everyone laughing, and as I sat down I knocked my beer over into the grass. I was mortified but in a split second Sean scooped up my empty cup, poured half of his beer into it, handed mine back to me and then continued on with the story. It was the coolest, smoothest thing ever, and super nice of him to do. I still remember that afternoon perfectly and always appreciated that gesture. Thinking about his family & friends during this tough time.
Liz Kelly
July 16, 2024
I knew Sean mostly as Jim´s younger brother. Jim and my son, Peter, were great friends. I had the opportunity to help with the CK art fair. I was totally amazed at the talent Sean had, at such a young age. His drawings were so true to life. I couldn´t believe someone so young could draw like that! Rest in peace, Sean.
Rory Hurley
July 16, 2024
Remembering that smile, which was always there, your sense of humor, your funny faces, especially with one eye turned in. We always had a good time when the family got together. It's so very sad. God Bless Sean. I must say, beautifully written Anni.
Sean O'Connor
July 15, 2024
I'll miss you Sean, our times can't be met with words. You are a fantastic person and I'm sad about this. I'll get in your way again my friend.
Brian
July 15, 2024
I cannot believe this, Sean. I love you so much dude.
I still owe you $20 from our STS9 bet 13 years ago. You can collect on it when I see you again.
You will always be remembered. I love you.
Mary Lideen
July 15, 2024
Our deepest condolences, sending love and peace to our McNulty fam
-Mary
Dyker
July 15, 2024
The only appropriate tree to plant for you is an avocado tree homie. Send me some extra help from beyond, idk if the shoe will cut it without you around.
Scott Drasler
July 15, 2024
Scott Drasler
July 15, 2024
Scott Drasler
July 15, 2024
Scott Drasler
July 15, 2024
Will miss you Sean, You are true light in the universe.
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