Shawn Patrick Kirwan

Shawn Patrick Kirwan, age 68, loving husband, friend and dog dad, entered eternal rest peacefully, at home, on Sunday, May 25, 2025 surrounded by his adoring wife, church family and friends.
Born on September 28, 1956, he was the son of the late Edward Joseph and Helen McNamara Kirwan. Shawn, who was born and grew up in Peoria, Illinois, graduated from Peoria Central High School and Bradley University. Shawn worked in mechanics at Greater Peoria Transit before earning a bachelor's degree in public relations. He pursued a second career in software training, sports printing and sales at Multi-Ad Services. His favorite work memories were those involving traveling to the various winter baseball meetings, allowing him to interact with numerous baseball managers and players and attending the all-star games. He followed the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Dolphins.
Shawn loved to travel and cruised to Alaska, Hawaii, toured many of the Caribbean Islands and United States. Shawn often joked that he was married to the love of his life, by a cab driver, at the end of a pier in the Bahamas.
He was an active member of Blessed Sacrament Church and Alcoholics Anonymous for 36 years.
Shawn's life was cut short with his diagnosis of vascular dementia in 2009. He never lost his sense of humor or kind loving spirit. There are some people that bring a light so great to the world, that even after they are gone, the light remains.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy Adams Kirwan of 30 years and her supportive family, a brother Paul of Texas, a sister Claire Wolf of Florida, nieces and nephews, caring cousins, numerous encouraging friends, his amazing Carle Health Hospice team, beloved caregivers and loyal companion, Benji.
Memorial Mass, in Shawn's memory, will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Morton, IL at 11:00 AM. Visitation is an hour prior, starting at 10:00 AM, with Recitation of the Rosary at 9:30 AM. A luncheon reception will follow, all of which will be held at the church. Entombment of Ashes will be at 2:00 PM at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria, IL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or Blessed Sacrament Church.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.wrightandsalmon.com