FRANKFORT - Mr. Shawn P. Scalise, age 43, a longtime Frankfort resident, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, November 4, 2014, at his home. Born on March 14, 1971, Shawn is the son of Richard and Velleda "Terri" (Hawthorne) Scalise. He was raised and educated locally and graduated from Frankfort-Schuyler High School with the Class of 1989. Shortly thereafter, Shawn enlisted with United States Army. He was enthusiastic about serving his country, and throughout that time he quickly advanced ranks, achieving an advanced infantry position. His military years eventually led him to the Northern Warfare Training Center in Alaska where he was trained in skiing and winter warfare. It was a time in his life that he was both humbled by and proud of. Hardworking by nature, Shawn never met an endeavor that he wouldn't attempt to take on. He worked in various positions throughout the years and succeeded at everything he set his mind to. He graduated from Culinary Arts School after his military service and was a gifted and talented chef. He was lastly employed with JDS Snowplowing and Lawncare in Frankfort. At one time, Shawn was married to the former Gabrielle Russell. Although the two separated, they maintained a special closeness and lifelong friendship. After many years of living away from home, Shawn returned to Frankfort, and, as fate would have it, met and fell in love with Theresa Palumbo-Plano. The two shared an unmatched bond, and in Shawn's final years his life was filled with love, laughter and the closeness of family and friends. Shawn was a caring, loving, helpful and thoughtful individual by his very nature. He held a strong charisma for life and had a wonderful sense of humor. His stories would amuse all of those around him. He was always doing something crazy to get a laugh and his infectious smile was evident at all times. The very definition of a 'people person', Shawn never had a bad word to say of anyone and was a true gentleman. His focus was always on the meaningful things in life and he truly loved people. He especially had a way with children and animals, not afraid to roll around on the ground in laughter and good fun. Shawn was an avid Syracuse basketball fan and never missed an opportunity to watch a game. He loved furthering his knowledge and was a voracious reader and writer. Fittingly, just as Shawn walked to the beat of his own tune, music held a special place in his heart and he both wrote for and played the guitar for many years. Shawn's untimely passing has left a deep void in all of those who loved him. He leaves his love and best friend, Theresa Palumbo-Plano, at home; his parents, Richard and Terri of Ilion; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernadette and Christopher Jones of Georgia and Adrienne and Michael Davidson of Maryland; nieces and nephews, Saivon, Isis, Kaden, Sophia and Ella; and Therese Plano and the rest of the Palumbo family who thought of Shawn as one of their own. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins, especially Clem Scalise, who Shawn thought of as a brother, Clem's wife, Cristin, and their children, Brianna and Ethan who will dearly miss their 'Uncle Shawn.' He also leaves a vast number of friendships that he created along life's journey. Shawn's loved ones ask that those in trouble, please contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- Central New York, P.O. Box 283, Phoenix, NY 13135, (1-800-273-TALK). It is their hope that no other family should suffer this same tragedy, and that those who face the same silent struggles that Shawn did, will seek the support and help that they need. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, from 1:00 - 4:00 at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road (Town of Frankfort) Ilion, NY. Shawn's funeral service and Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday at 4:00 immediately following the conclusion of visitation with Seminarian Frank Vivacqua officiating. Services are under the direction of Martin L. Ciaccia, Harry and Kevin Enea, Funeral Directors (315) 894 - 8000. To leave an online note of sympathy, please visit: www.eneafamily.com