Amara, Shawn C., age 51 of Pembroke Pines, Florida passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on June 6, 2019 following a three-year battle with colorectal cancer. Born in Hartford, Connecticut to Achille “Gil” Amara (deceased) and Marie Peterman Amara, Shawn was the youngest of four “well behaved” boys, who grew up in a large Italian family that loved to cook, sing, and attend Mass together. They moved to Pembroke Pines in 1970, which became their permanent home.

Although he passed at a young age, Shawn lived a life that transcended his years. He was a self-starter who began his first sales job at age 19, which launched a successful career in sales. Shawn trained hundreds of salespeople and sales leaders throughout his career, ultimately finding his true passion in food service, combining his love of food and cooking with his talent in sales. Shawn traveled extensively for work and pleasure, was a talented drummer who studied under Carmine Appice, self-published his first book entitled “The Two Minute Commute – How to Start and Run a Successful Home Business” in 1996, and during a 4-year venture into personal training, had the pleasure of training a number of athletes. It was in the gym where he first met and trained Joni, who would later become his wife.

Shawn’s love of music didn’t stop with the drums. In typical fashion, he honed his skills and became a talented singer, who loved to do karaoke into the wee hours. In 2005, Shawn wrote and recorded a song for Joni, entitled “Words to the Wind,” who he also serenaded with “A Wink and a Smile” at their wedding in 2006.

Shawn loved cooking, eating, traveling, writing, singing, working out, and helping businesses succeed. But what he loved most was being a husband, father, pop-pop, son, uncle and Godfather. Family was everything to him. Shawn was a man of faith, which was an important part of his life. He also took every opportunity during his treatment to encourage others, especially men, to listen to their bodies, and not postpone screenings or tests. His highest hope was that at least one person would be saved because of heeding his advice, and at least one person with cancer (especially a child) might be saved because of new treatments or protocols that would be influenced by his case.

Shawn is survived by his loving wife Joni; children Alyssa, Greyson, Gianna, Gavino and Gino; granddaughter Holly; mother Marie and brothers Gil (Manny Lubian), Barry (Tracy) and Glenn; and 24 nieces and nephews.

Visitation to be held at Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 from 1 PM – 3 PM and a second visitation from 5 PM – 8 PM. A funeral mass will be held at St. David Catholic Church, 3900 South University Drive, Davie, FL 33328 on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 11 AM, immediately followed by interment at our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests financial assistance for funeral expenses. Please call Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care for more information at (954) 983-6400 or visit http://www.gofundme.com/memorial-fund-for-the-family-of-shawn-amara