Shawn Michael Cupolo.
Born under the sign of cancer on June 22, 1970.
Taken suddenly by cancer on November 30, 2021.
To hold him is to know simple words.
Simple words that turn a song,
The song was the thread throughout.
The words-
Madeleine.
Madeleine. His daughter and the center of his heart. And tucked in there was Sondra, his wife.
They were Shawndra.
Woodsongs.
The community of music he was so proud to be a part of and carry forward into the future.
Friends.
His friendship family was so important to him. He loved making the effort and always helped if he could. Genuine and caring are the words that keep ringing.
Words.
Shawn was a wordsmith. Journalism, political campaigns, Naropa poets, theatre press releases, carefully crafted emails, beautiful simple cards.
Family. And Stories.
The one about the time his family dressed up in costumes to greet Uncle Rich at the gate. He had a story about everyone in his family. He leaves behind his wife Sondra Blanchard; his daughter Madeleine Blanchard Cupolo; sisters Christin and Jen Cupolo, Melanie Matson, and Suzanne Boyce; his brother John Boyce; his mother Diane VanTassell and stepmother Marcia Haag; his Uncle Rich Cupolo. He is predeceased by his beloved father, Michael Cupolo.
Music.
Hotfoot. Holy holy, he loved playing with his friends in all kinds of contexts. He loved everything about music, and making it happen for other people.
Photography.
Nature. He was so happy to travel and photograph.
Humor.
He got funnier as Covid wore on, right on to the end.
Kind. Gentle. A steady rock. Big heart and quiet voice.
He leaves behind so many, so much. He is so deeply loved and missed.
A public memorial is planned for April 2, 2022 from 1-4pm at the Wildflower Pavilion, Planet Bluegrass 500 W. Main St., Lyons, CO. Please dress warmly and bring an instrument if you’d like for the song circle.
Shawn was a great guy, who I call a friend that I didn’t see enough of; but when we did we always picked up right where we left off. I will miss him. God speed pal.
This is terrible news. I don’t think I ever met a nicer, more sincere person. Shawn was ethical, competent and all heart. He was also a musician, pure and simple. My condolences to his family and his many friends. He will be missed and long remembered.
Godspeed, Shawn. Thank you for your friendship. Love and peace to your family.
You, Shawn, were/ are lovely. Thank you for bringing on the music, the gentleness and the laughter. May your spirit soar.