Shawn Cavanaugh

Shawn J. Cavanaugh, 70, of Shapleigh, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, January 18,
2025 while recovering from injuries caused by an accident.
Born on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1954, in Winchester, Massachusetts, Shawn was the youngest of three
children of William and Helen (O'Hearn) Cavanaugh. He grew up in Wayland, Massachusetts;, Salisbury,
Maryland and Norway, Maine. While living on a lake in Norway, he made lifelong friends with whom he
reconnected when he returned to Maine. During his high school years, Shawn moved briefly to St.
Petersburg, Florida, where he graduated from high school, but his heart was always in Maine.
In 1986, Shawn returned to Maine, where he met his future wife and began working for the Kennebunk
Police Department. He later worked on cars, trucks and boats, eventually operating his own business
repairing boats. A true jack-of-all-trades, Shawn was a master mechanic with a remarkable ability to
bring motors to life. Whether boats, snowmobiles or jet skis, Shawn could get them running. His
passion for mechanics extended into his lifelong work with boats, where he built and raced hydroplanes – a love he shared with his son, Jack.
Shawn's interests were as diverse as his skills. He enjoyed ice fishing, go-kart racing and boat racing,
where he traveled to race sites from Maine to Florida. A proud member of the Antique Outboard Motor
Club, Shawn's enthusiasm for engines and racing never waned. He was a member of the Standish
Kiwanis Club and cherished his time spent on the lake with friends in Norway and loved relaxing by the
fire pit at his camper. Shawn's love for animals, particularly Basset hounds, was evident in his devotion
to his beloved dog, Zoe.
In 1991, Shawn married Jo-Ann Cropley, and together they shared 33 years of marriage and raised their
son, Jack. Shawn was elected as a Selectman for the town of Shapleigh in 2023, a role in which he took
great pride and responsibility. Known for his energy, ability to provide practical solutions to problems
and dedication to his family and friends, Shawn will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Shawn is survived by his loving wife, Jo-Ann Cropley Cavanaugh; his son, Jack; his two sisters,
Paulajeanne Cavanaugh and Colette Clark and her husband James; as well as several nieces and
nephews.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held at the new Shapleigh Community Center in Shapleigh, Maine upon
completion of the building in early spring. A date for the service will be announced.
Memorial contributions may be made in Shawn's name to Responsible Pet Care, P.O. Box 82, Norway,
Maine 04268.