Shannon Michael Warner

We remember Shannon Warner, who left this earth on October 31, 2024 at the age of 61. Shannon will be remembered as an unparalleled force of life whose energy drew people into his orbit.

Born in New Orleans, Shannon was the fifth of seven children born to William J. Warner and Kathlyn Foley Warner. His siblings will tell you that he inherited the best aspects of both parents and their unfettered embrace of fun and gregariousness. Shannon remained close with his family despite geographical distances and age/life stage differences.

Shannon graduated from A. Crawford Mosely High School in Lynn Haven, FL in 1981 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising from the University of Florida in 1986. After college, Shannon moved to the Washington, D.C. area, where he eventually met and fell in love with Lisa Johnston. They were married in Alexandria, VA in 1994. In 1997, Shannon’s career brought them to Pennsylvania, where they bought and renovated their current home in Wayne.

In 2004, Shannon became a father of triplets — Declan, Kathlyn and Kiera. He loved them so much and was such a great dad. He really enjoyed reading books together as a family before bedtime each night. One of those many books was “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio, which contained the precept: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” He really wanted his kids to take that principle to heart. Shannon lived that precept long before he read those words, leading by example.

Shannon spent the majority of his professional career in a niche market of the insurance industry, first at Seabury & Smith/Marsh, then American General/AIG, ultimately landing at Pearl Insurance in 2013. There he helped guide Pearl to new heights. Throughout his career, Shannon was admired and respected as a leader and true professional. Many who worked for or with cited his warmth, compassion and empathy, saying that more than a boss or colleague, we was a true friend.

More than a sum of the parts above, Shannon had such a zest for life. To say that he loved music would be a huge understatement. He had encyclopedic knowledge of artists and song — and could sing the lyrics to just about anything. He loved to sing and did it well. It wasn’t uncommon for him to join the band for a song at parties and weddings. Many will recall his fabulous rendition of Brandy — his go-to song. 

Shannon’s zest for living extended to all aspects of his life. He was a rabid Florida Gator fan, loved to travel and was passionate about craft beer and good wine. He was a loyal friend who would do anything for you. And his wit was razor-sharp. He had a hearty laugh and winning smile — despite the fact he rarely smiled in photos. People said he had a wonderful knack of making everyone feel welcomed. In short, Shannon was a wonderful person to have in your life.

Shannon is survived by his loving wife, Lisa (nee Johnston) Warner, children Declan, Kathlyn and Kiera Warner, siblings William Warner (Annette Phillips Warner), Patrick Warner (Virginia Curry Warner), Timothy Warner (Kerry Trauth Warner), Janice (nee Warner) Hawkins (Joseph Hawkins), Daniel Warner (Regina Hilton Warner) and Brian Warner (Lisa Maack Warner), father-in-law J. Ford Johnston Jr. and brother-in-law J. Ford Johnston III (Michelle Callahan Johnston), as well as countless nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Kathlyn (nee Foley) Warner and father, William Joseph Warner.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Katharine of Siena in Wayne, PA. Visitation will start at 9:30.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to one of the following charities:

• American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org
• American Heart Association www.heart.org
• Child Fund www.childfund.org