Garrett Shawhan

Garrett James Shawhan (Gary) of Clinton, CT. , passed away suddenly on December 2, 2025 at the age of 79. Loved ones surrounded him at Middlesex Health Shoreline Medical Center. He now joins his beloved wife of 42 years, Ruth Ann Shawhan, who predeceased him on May 9, 2018. They can now dance away once more, as they once did, so elegantly.

Garrett was born on July 10th,1946 in Evanston, IL., at St. Francis Hospital. He was the eldest son of Robert Garrett Shawhan and Ruth Alayne Shawhan, of IL. He graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1964. After high school he attended the University of Illinois and received a B.S. in Chemistry during which time he also served in the National Guard. After living in California, Gary settled in CT., where he met and married his wife, Ruth. Together, they raised 5 children. Gary later went on to earn his Executive MBA from the University of New Haven in 1998.

Gary excelled in his passion for his field as President of Chemark Consulting Group, located in Southern Pines, NC. A dedicated professional, he authored more than 75 articles on his field of study and could always be found in his office, immersed in a project or writing for a professional publication.

Gary enjoyed traveling with his family, particularly to their favorite destination, St. John, V.I., creating many fond memories for his children. He was an active man who loved fishing, camping, maintaining his yard, playing pool, Clinton Town Beach for family cookouts and running at Hammonasset.

Most of all, Gary was defined by his generous spirit and ever-present willingness to lend a helping hand to his children, grandchildren, and family friends. He always welcomed everyone to his home for a cup of coffee or tea, dinner, or a round of pool or darts, which his grandchildren especially enjoyed. Gary loved Christmas, and his playful nature made every gathering special. We will never forget his silly comments, the tricks he played on us, or the joy brought by Ickey the Snake, his gumdrop tree, board games, making ice cream sundaes for dessert, and his legendary candy bar Christmas Tree.

They are survived by their Brother Stephen Alan Shawhan, of IL., sister Maureen Alayne O’Conner, of OH. His 5 children and many grandchildren who adored him. Bridgett Shawhan Page and her husband Steven Thomas Page, and their children Nadia Marie Zawoy, Kathryn Anne Page, Stephanie Elizabeth Page and Gabriel John Zawoy, of Old Saybrook, Rebecca Lynn Thurber and her husband Aaron Jay Thurber, and their son Jonathan Quinn Thurber, of Clinton, Katherine Ruth LeMonds and her husband Jeremy LeMonds, and their children Garrett Russel LeMonds, Makayla Ruth LeMonds, and Emma Rose LeMonds, of Charlotte NC., Dr. Robert Richard Shawhan and his wife Rebecca Ruth West and their children Molly West Shawhan, and Alex West Shawhan, of Casper WY, and his youngest son Peter Garret Shawhan, of Clinton. Along with many family friends and other relatives.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 18th, 2026 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at Water’s Edge, in Westbrook CT., to honor Gary. All family and friends are welcome to join us in honor of our Father Gary.