LaVale, MD – Shawn Sivan Pillai, 36, died on Friday, April 28, 2023.

Shawn was born to A. Sivan and Janice R. Pillai on October 29, 1986, in Cumberland, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his father; grandparents, Arumughom and Chenbagam Pillai; and grandfather, Jerry Zumpano.

Shawn was beloved by his family and many friends. He is survived by his mother, Jan; grandmother, Shirley Zumpano; sister, Shanti Nicole Pillai and partner, Brett Hogle; sister, Nalini Devi Casey; brother, S. Ramani Pillai and wife, Kimberly Foley-Pillai; aunts, Michelle Zumpano and Vicki Moran; uncle, Milt Jones; and cousin, Milt Jones and wife, Cassie. He had several nieces including Chloe and Eliza Robinson, Ruby and Darby Casey, Kate Pillai, and Cecilia Jones; and nephews, Nolan Pillai and Oskar Jones. He also leaves behind his only child, J. Vesper Farris Pillai, and Vesper's mother, Aarika McCann.

Whether cooking for them or playing video games together, Shawn loved spending time with his dear little one. They shared a quirky sense of humor and the same striking black hair. He was the first to hold them after they were born; they had a special bond ever since.

Shawn studied the culinary arts and received an Associate of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism in 2011 from Potomac State College. He was a sous chef at the Lakeside Restaurant at Rocky Gap as well as at the Savage River Lodge, then later worked at Mark's Café in Cumberland and Clatter in Frostburg. Aside from being an amazing cook, Shawn was also a talented writer and loved to read science fiction. He graduated from Frostburg State University in 2013 with a degree in English and went on to work at Western Maryland AHEC.

Throughout school and at work, he made several lifelong friends. Shawn was always fun to be around, and he was known for his generosity and kindness to others. He will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Hwy SW, Cresaptown, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, from 11am to 1pm. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1pm.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Shawn's memory may make contributions to the Allegany College of Maryland (ACM) Foundation, 12401 Willowbrook Rd SE, Cumberland, MD 21502 with checks made payable to the ACM Foundation, "Culinary Arts Program – Shawn Pillai" in the memo.

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