Steven Hunter Shaughnessy, 72, of Palo Alto, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024. In the days and weeks leading up to his passing, he was showered with phone calls and visits by his friends and family, reminding him of just how much he was loved.

Steve was born on November 12, 1951 in Staten Island, New York to Joan (Schmidt) and Donald Shaughnessy. He was raised by his beloved mother and his step-father Robert Wilkman and is survived by his sisters Susan Henderson, Lori (Rick) Cote, Ellen (Tom) Flynn, nieces Allison, Cassidy, Delaney, Bailey, nephew Michael, great-nephews Eli and Luka, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.

After a busy and active time in high school which included being involved in various committees, band, baseball, a production of My Fair Lady (yes, you read that right), and making the honor roll, Steve came out to CA shortly after graduation to pursue his music career. It didn't take long until he became a successful and sought-after drummer in the Bay Area music scene, playing in various bands including The Roomates, Start, Whipping Boy, Original Position and 4" Be 2". He was also known around Palo Alto as the guy who knew everything about music, with the most eclectic taste you've ever seen, confirmed by his vast record collection which included albums from metal to jazz to punk and everything, seriously everything, in between.

He put his encyclopedic knowledge of music to work in several Palo Alto area record stores including Chimera Books, Rasputin Music & Movies and Borders, and loved to blow the minds of the young punks of Palo Alto by turning them on to new music while also patiently (or not) waiting on customers who questioned why they didn't carry any Zepplin, explaining to them without looking up from what he was doing, to "look under L." Steve was often described as the coolest guy around. To quote one of his friends, "Knowing Steve was like knowing a Ramone or something."

Steve was also an avid sports fan, and loved going to Sharks, Warriors and A's games. He was a NY Jets fan and a huge wrestling fan.

Steve will be missed by so many. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Until then, put on some crazy music you wouldn't normally listen to, and turn it up loud.