Soldier, Brother, Son, Uncle, Nephew, Cousin, Friend

Shawn Casey Antonia was born in Palo Alto, California, May 15th, 1982. His favorite TV show at age 2 was Night Rider and it set the stage for a lifelong love of cars. In his childhood, he enjoyed being outdoors, playing Legos, computers and pickup sports with friends and family.  

After graduating Hiram Johnson High School In Sacramento, CA, Shawn joined the Army (Engineer Corp) and toured in South Korea and Iraq for eight years where he completed the Combat Lifesaver training and was awarded the Global War on Terrorism medal and the Korea Defense medal, among others. Shawn’s service left him 100% disabled and while he gained many memories and friendships along the way, he also wore the invisible wounds that are only too well known to those who’ve served. 

After being honorably discharged, Shawn traveled to see friends and family while pursuing his love of mechanics and building more friendships as he worked on restoring his Talon Race Car. He graduated from Hennessey Performance Tuner School and even worked on classic car restoration for a time.

He was active with Combat Veterans Motorcycle Associations, participating in rides such as to Stonehenge Memorial in Washington state to honor another Vet who’d passed and the Motorcycle Relief Project. His adventures led him on a group ride from Alaska to Central America raising awareness and funds for prevention of Veteran suicide while enjoying the camaraderie of the open road and joy of experiencing other cultures. He loved a challenge and was always up for a new adventure, be it scuba diving, skydiving, bungee jumping or teaching a nephew how to tune up his first car.

One of his greatest joys was being “Uncle Shawn,” or, “Uncle Bon Bon,". He was especially great with the little ones, having kept some of the childish joy for life that is often lost as we grow up. Family was very important to him and he shared his successes with siblings and others freely. Holidays were filled with laughter, crazy stories, and his delight in good food. In more recent years, visits also included his beloved pup, a Shorty Bull named, Lt. Dan. 

Over the years, what has stood out the most (besides his infectious smile!), and now with his passing can be seen even more, is how much he touched the lives of all he came in contact with. Despite his own struggles, he always wanted to help, to defend, to support. He had a big heart and was always looking to fill it by giving to others. 

Shawn is survived by his mother, Renee Antonia and his siblings, Nicole, Angela, Katrina, Gabriel and Mike; along with his many friends and chosen family around the world. We will all remember Shawn for the impact he made on our lives. Live your life in loving memory of how much he gave to others. We love you forever. 

Christmas won’t be the same without you 

Trip to Chico after your cross country ride 

Pikes Peak National Cemetery

We love you Shawn. You will always be in our hearts and always a big part of our life. Uncle Bon Bon forever! Best Buckin Uncle. Love, Ang, Justin, Macey, Maddox & Molly 

SHAWN CASEY ANTONIA

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