Shane Paul Raczkowski

Shane Paul Raczkowski, a beloved and cherished son, brother, grandson, brother-in-law, nephew and uncle, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 38. Shane was known for his kind-hearted and patient nature. He was a resident of Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Shane was born in Englewood to Stan and Diane Raczkowski. He attended Fletcher Miller special needs school in Lakewood, from preschool through age 21. At Fletcher-Miller, he and his family met countless teachers, nurses, and staff who not only provided a great education, but greatly improved his quality of life with compassion, dignity and humor.

Shane was predeceased by his adoring and loving grandparents, Stanley and Eleanor Raczkowski, and Thomas and Elva Kurnec. He is survived by his parents, Stan and Diane Raczkowski; sister, Dawn Gibbs (Spence); beloved nephews, Grayson and Jordan; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him dearly.

A huge sports fan, Shane loved the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, PBA bowling, CU, and Notre Dame Football. He was a loyal fan through and through. He loved to go bowling, especially with his sister, brother-in-law, nephews and Uncle Kipp. Shane was also a huge fan of the old sitcoms and could be found watching Everybody Loves Raymond, Home Improvement, Reba, and The Fresh Prince of Bel Air almost every day. He loved music, especially Contemporary Christian music, the Oldies, and anything Bruce Springsteen. Shane and his sister Dawn enjoyed their special times together watching Dumb and Dumber, Ace Ventura, Happy Gilmore and Wayne's World.

Shane was baptized at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church in Littleton, where he was a beloved parishioner all of his life. He attended the Archdiocese special education program for 36 years with both Fr. Larry Freeman and Fr. Roland Freeman and Sr. Mary Catherine Widger, making cherished, lifelong friends along the way. Shane's family would like to thank them for their dedication, and the way they loved and cared for the spiritual needs of the children.

Shane's biggest attribute was his infectious smile and his greatest strength was his ability to always bring out the best in everyone he met, impacting lives in a truly miraculous way.

Shane was the inspirational player on his good friend Danny Spond's Triple Crown little league team called the Columbine Rebels, which was coached by our best friend Don Spond. Since the Rebels were an elite team that won numerous tournaments and the State championship each year, his bedroom is filled with the many medals and trophies he received as a team member. In their final season before high school, Coach Don wrote a beautiful letter about Shane to the league commissioner and the league named him their Inspirational Player of the Year.

He was also the Best Man at his sister Dawn and brother-in-law Spence's (whom he considered his brother) wedding. This made Shane extremely happy and he considered it to be a great honor.

Although Shane had a physically broken body, mentally he was fully cognitive, and he exemplified kindness, strength, perseverance, and resilience through a lifetime of hospital stays, surgeries, suffering and pain. Shane had a special connection to Jesus and was able to see angels, close family members, and friends in heaven. Since he could do very little for himself, he was always gracious and thankful and exuded a radiant smile for his caregivers.

A very special and loving thank you is extended to Msgr. Ken Leone, Dr. Trish Kloor, and his home nurses for their love and compassion in Shane's care, which extended his life expectancy and enabled him to live such a full life and to leave such a beautiful legacy. The family is also very grateful to Emmaus Catholic Hospice for their compassion and care during his final week here on earth.

"Remember Shane, every time, you!" and "when one pal calls, the other pal comes running."

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Frances Cabrini Cupboard (Food Bank) or Fletcher Miller School.

A Rosary will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026 from 5-7PM at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd. Centennial, CO 80121. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 10:30AM, with a luncheon to follow from 11:30AM -1PM both at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, 6673 W Chatfield Ave. Littleton, CO 80128. A private burial will be held later.