Shawn Stephen Tortella

Shawn Tortella, the most sensitive, compassionate, and giving man you'd ever meet, graduated from this world suddenly and way too early at the age of 56.

He was a wrestler at Tascosa High School and very competitive in everything he did as an adult. Shawn's knack for computers began before most people knew what a mouse was. He became an IT whiz and had that career for over 30 years.

He discovered the love of his life, Tracy, or ‘TraTra’, which he quickly began calling her, on 4.19.19. Despite their solemn promises to never get married, Shawn caved and "put a ring on it" in a Maui wedding ceremony, under a waterfall, just short of 16 months ago on 3.23.23, proving even the best-laid plans can be swayed by true love. Plus, how could she possibly say no to those dimples?

Ty, Shawn’s son, provided him years of immense pride as he wrestled, grew up, married, and after years of hard work at OSU and then Texas A&M, became Ty Tortella, DVM.

Shawn's quick and corny wit, which he called “Shawnerisms”, his infectious laugh and his dimpled smile ensured every moment with him was filled with laughter and joy, especially for Tracy, his best friend and adventure partner. Known for making friends as fast, one of his first questions before confirming that friendship was, “Do you play spades?” Despite the answer, the next question was if they played darts. He and Tracy played games together every time they had a chance.

His legacy is one of laughter, love, and the undeniable truth that his stubborn Italian heart was easily softened, especially when it came to his soulmate, Tracy. A very special saying that he and Tracy had was, “Had we met in our 20’s, we wouldn’t have lasted. We both had to go through our past to become who we are now so we could now meet, genuinely fall in love and love each other forever.” He shared this with many others that he would meet to offer them hope that they too could have this special love that he shared with Tracy.

Shawn was looking forward to meeting and watching his first grandson grow. However, Jensen Brooks Tortella, was born sleeping one day before his due date, on May 30, 2024.

Other loved ones that parted this life before Shawn include his beloved mom, Juanita Tortella, his father, “Tort” Tortella, and his very special cousin, Danny Self.

Shawn leaves behind the love of his life, his bride, Tracy Tortella, his pride and joy, his son, Dr. Ty Tortella and wife Lauren, his adopted son Jayden, his very special additional parents, Bob & Vickie Ward, Tracy’s large family, and many other special family members.

Since family is who you make it, not who you are born to--he leaves behind many very special friends and their spouses that he loved deeply, (in no particular order) Chad Feemster, Kyle Thompson, Tony Huff, Stephanie Lindsey, Mika Price, Jeremy Helm, Danny Hume, Alan Mesneak, and the rest of his large group of friends that he always said would show up to help he and Tracy if they ever needed anything at all (y’all know who you are 😊).