Shawn M. Copella

Shawn Michael Copella joined the great car show in the sky on December 13, 2022 after a brief battle with cancer. Affectionately known as “the carpet guy, ” he leaves behind to mourn him Lisbeth, his wife of more than 49 years; his daughter Rachel “Toots” and her husband Sean Ralston; and his son Michael—and his wife Mikelle, known as “Mitch,” and their two children, Maren and Cutler, Shawn’s grandchildren. Shawn is also mourned by a host of family and friends. While his attributes are many and his legacy rich, his smile and laugh will likely be the memory his friends and family remember the most.

Shawn was born on July 11, 1952 in St. Mary’s Pennsylvania. He had fond memories of growing up in Gardenville and spending summers in Western Pennsylvania. He took jobs at a young age, including washing dishes at Your Host Restaurant and running a neighborhood paper route. These laid the foundation of a tireless work ethic that would carry him to success later in life.

In his teens, he discovered two loves that would be a constant in his life: fast cars and Lis. He met Lis at the age of 14, and they were later crowned prom King and Queen of West Seneca East High School in 1970.

Professionally, Shawn started, ran and eventually sold a commercial flooring business famously named AM Carpet Service (AM standing for “All Mine") that continues on today. Under Shawn’s leadership, the business grew, creating opportunities for his employees as well as giving Shawn an ever-expanding network of personal business relationships that made a hard business rewarding to run.

He enjoyed traveling with Lis, racing his cars, going to car shows, and watching Nascar races with friends. He also enjoyed Labatt Lite, little neck clams and all things Pink Floyd. When he and Lis welcomed grandchildren, Shawn became a “wise guy grandpa” who would delight the children with his belief that an ice cream sandwich was in fact a sandwich that could be eaten at lunch.

In 2018, he retired to spend more time with family and friends. To his own amusement, he eventually became the owner of several palm trees with a purchase of a second home in Naples, Florida. There he and Lis created many memories by opening up their home to friends and family and enjoying all that Florida has to offer with many lifelong friends.

His smile, warmth and ability to fix just about anything will be deeply missed by all those that knew him. Relatives and friends are invited to visit Hoy Funeral Home, 3855 Seneca St on December 18th from 3 pm to 7pm, with remarks from the family starting at 3:30.