Shawn E. Smith

SAN TAN VALLEY, ARIZ. – Shawn E. Smith, 39, formerly of Youngstown, passed away early Tuesday morning, Jan. 19, 2016, after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home.

Shawn was born Nov. 10, 1976, in Youngstown, a son of Minor T. and Carole Elias Smith, and moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona, about 10 years ago.

He was a 1995 graduate of Chaney High School, where he played offensive tackle on the football team, and was selected to 1995 All-City Football Team. He also received the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame Scholar Athlete Award for his outstanding athletic and scholastic ability.

Shawn was a 2000 cum laude graduate of Youngstown State University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, and he later earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing in 2006 from the University of Phoenix.

He worked as an Adult Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Peoria, Arizona at Recovery Innovations.

Mr. Smith leaves his wife and two sons, Sonya Cocco Smith, and Benjamin and Scott, all of Arizona; his mother, Carole Smith of Youngstown; his sister, Cathy; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

His father, Minor T. Smith, his grandparents, and a twin brother, Scott M. Smith, preceded Shawn in death.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 13, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd., Youngstown, where a memorial service will take place at 3:30 p.m. 

Interment will be at Tod Homestead Cemetery in Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorial contributions be made to Shawn’s family in care of the funeral home, to help with final expenses.