Educational Fund for Elena Boston

We are creating a Go Fund Me Account in support of Dyan and Shannon's daughter Elena's education. Some experienced difficulty working directly with the T. Rowe Price 529 Plan. Dyan and Shannon's friends created this as an alternative way to contribute.

Thank you.

Shannon C. Boston of East Liberty, Ohio passed unexpectedly on February 1 due to a cardiac event at only 50 years old. He leaves behind family and friends who are devastated and shocked by his death.

Shannon was born on May 24, 1972, in Columbus, Ohio where he was raised by his mother, Pamela McNulty.

Shannon is survived by the love of his life, Dyan, whom he married in 2014 in Kauai, Hawaii, and his sweet daughter, Elena Susan, who was the light of his life.

He is also survived by his parents-in-law, George and Susan Lattorre, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Julie and Robert Yutzy, his mother, Pamela McNulty, and his aunt and uncle, Michele and Bevan Stauffer. He is also survived by many other friends and relatives who were blessed to know him.

Shannon was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Cloyce and Imogene Boston, as well as his maternal great grandparents Merrill and Blodwin Griffith, where he learned his love for the Cincinnati Reds. He was also preceded in death by his beloved cousin Craig Feazel.

His lifelong love for learning began at Westerville North High School, where he graduated in 1990. He went on to Ashland University, where he strove to broaden himself intellectually while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994. While in college he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends. He went on to attend Capital University’s School of Law, graduating Cum Laude in 1997, an achievement for which he was extremely proud. He went on to successfully practice law for several years in Cincinnati before returning to Columbus to assist in operating the family business.

He balanced his academic pursuits with a passion for sports, starting with his time on the Westerville North football team in high school – while on the team he formed many strong bonds and learned the power of teamwork. He was never the most physically talented on the field, but he could out work anyone. He also enjoyed athletics as a spectator from a young age, listening to the Big Red Machine on the lap of his beloved Great Grandfather Merrill, known to Shannon as “Grandpa Griff.” Griff also taught Shannon how to shoot skeet and read the horse racing listings in the newspaper. Shannon was a diehard OSU Buckeyes, Columbus Bluejackets and Cincinnati Reds fan.

Shannon had a love of all animals, adopting and caring for many pets during his lifetime, with a particular fondness for black cats (invariably named “Sammy”).

Shannon was unwaveringly loyal and honest - sometimes to a fault. But he never encountered a problem he didn't tackle head on, and his determination was a force of nature. Whether it was completely starting his career over in his 40's, being an undersized football center, to teaching himself the skills needed to completely renovate his home on his own or becoming the most incredible, hands-on, loving father. And all of this was driven by his amazing positivity. It was his driving force in life which he tried to instill and share in all those around him – that there was no problem in this world that couldn't be solved if you just worked with purpose and passion.

His close friends knew Shannon could be counted on for clear-eyed honesty, counsel, and support. He was adept at engaging in a lively conversation (or debate) on nearly any topic. His greatest love and devotion were to his wife and daughter, who brought happiness and peace into his life. He spent the past several years renovating a farmhouse and barn to give his family a wonderful place to live and enjoy. He embraced fatherhood, spending hours playing, laughing and singing with Elena, along with sharing his passion for sports with her. He wanted to instill in her his belief in hard work, commitment to being honest and having a positive outlook on life.

Shannon will be missed, but his legacy will continue in the cherished memories of all who loved him.

Memorial donations are welcome to support Elena’s education