Shane Reeder, had many passions, interests
Shane Reeder, 53, of Washington, D.C., who relished and celebrated life every day, sadly lost his Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at Georgetown University Hospital, from complications following the surgical removal of a benign brain tumor. The love of his life, his husband, Jeffrey Paige, was with him as he passed.
He was born April 21, 1971, in Lock Haven, Penn. Shane followed a creative spark that guided him through life, pursuing his passion for design at the Cleveland Institute of Art, graduating with a BFA in 1995. He went on to live a life full of creativity, in his work and his appreciation for the beauty of the world all around him. His professional life spanned 20 years at Williams-Sonoma and then pivoted to create a successful real estate career. Shane was a curator of joy, beauty, and humor. Any gathering with Shane was sure to be filled with laughter and unforgettable moments, and he had a gift for making everyone feel like the most important person in the room. His humor was boundless, and time spent with him guaranteed a fabulous bag of shared stories and funny moments, no matter the circumstances.
Shane was one of those people who not only actively sought out meaning and joy in his life, but also gave it freely to anyone fortunate enough to know him. He had many passions and interests and treasured his time spent with friends and family. He could tell you anything you wanted to know about cars, airplanes, kitchenware, baking, Pet Shop Boys and Kylie Minogue, Queen Elizabeth II, and an ever-rotating list of things that caught his interest. He loved to travel, particularly his cherished transatlantic crossings with his husband (and an ever-expanding circle of friends) aboard Queen Mary 2. He always dove in, whatever it was, allowing himself to be dazzled and intrigued wherever his interests and explorations took him and taking great joy in sharing his knowledge and enjoyment with others.
He was also a rescuer of people and animals. Whenever there was darkness, Shane would do whatever he could to bring in a little light. Just as nothing was ever too broken to be fixed by Shane’s love, he had the vulnerability to open up to his loved ones when he was in need. That was the very special kind of exchange that Shane shared with so many – a genuine connection of trust and love. You could feel it emanating from him whenever he was helping his friends and loved ones, whether this was through words of wisdom about life, a funny movie recommendation, or simply a perfectly timed uplifting, or optimistic comment.
Shane loved nothing more than to share his exuberance for life with those around him. He loved bringing little moments of happiness to those he spent time with, whether at work, at the Washington National Cathedral where he volunteered, or in his daily life with family and friends. He had a fierce and protective love for his “people” and a keen appreciation for making every moment meaningful, whether a big occasion or a casual dinner out. Shane and his beloved Jeff shared a love that was rare and beautiful, a relationship that made life’s moments even more meaningful. Shane cherished both his given and chosen family.
Shane is now an eternally beautiful soul whose light and energy live on inside each of us who loved him. Shane’s enduring legacy is a lesson in joy and optimism. He would encourage us to always seek joy and share that joy with our loved ones as though it might be the last time.
In addition to his husband of nine years, Jeff, survivors include parents, Candy Reeder and Phil Reeder, both of Lock Haven, Pa.; and two beautiful children, Grant and Brooke Koenig-Hromoho of Baltimore, for whom he lovingly donated the gift of life and with whom he had just begun a more meaningful relationship, which meant the world to him.
A service in celebration of and in thanksgiving for the life of Shane will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, at Washington National Cathedral. All are welcome.
The family wants to thank Shane’s professional and compassionate caregivers at Georgetown University Hospital, his friends and colleagues at Compass Real Estate and The CityScape Group, his community at the Washington National Cathedral, and countless other friends and loved ones for their continued love and support.
For those who wish to remember or honor Shane, in lieu of flowers, do so through a charity of choice to spread the love. Most of you know that Shane loved LEGO, and he loved volunteering at the Cathedral for their LEGO fundraising project for earthquake repair. Donations can be made at, cathedral.org/support/memorial-honor-gifts. Under I want to support, select Maintenance & Preservation of Cathedral & Other Buildings Fund. This is the fund that the LEGO project supports. There is space at the bottom of the form to make the gift in memory of Shane.
