Tributes
Shawn Joseph Rainey, 47, of Walton, KY, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Shawn held various leadership positions during his 12 year career at Northern Kentucky University, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Planning and Institutional Research. Family and friends were extremely important to him, especially his sons, Max and Benjamin. He was an avid supporter of his boys in everything they did, from their video game tournaments and comic con adventures to their athletic and academic accomplishments.
Shawn had a strong work ethic and was a lifelong learner as he earned several advanced degrees including a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration. He loved sports of all kinds and was a devoted fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and all Cincinnati teams.
He leaves his loving wife, Janelle Rainey (nee Zaciewski); his sons, Max and Benjamin Rainey; his mother, Debra Schachter; and his sisters, Erika (Phillip) Denton and Holly Williams.
Shawn also leaves behind his in-laws, Gary (Sue) Zaciewski; brother-in-law, Scott (Melissa) Zaciewski; his nephews, Connor and Cohen Zaciewski; his life-long friends, Scott Reed, Jeremy Payne, and Chad Wirthein; and several other nieces and nephews.
Shawn was preceded in death by his father, Gary Schlachter.
Words cannot express how deeply missed he will be by those that loved him and knew him. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to his neurooncology team and the amazing nurses that fought alongside him.
A celebration of life will be on Sunday, September 4, 2022 from 1:00PM-4:00PM at Northern Kentucky University’s Student Union 20 Kenton Dr, Highland Heights, KY 41076. A fund to benefit the Rainey children will be established at Fifth Third bank in the near future.
To share a story about Shawn or to leave online condolences, please go to: www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com.
Northern Kentucky University Student Union
20 Kenton Dr.Highland Heights, KY 41076
Shawn Joseph Rainey
,
Linnemann Funeral Home Crematory
Address: 30 Commonwealth Avenue Erlanger, KY - Kentucky 41018Shawn Joseph Rainey
,
Gentle and Kind
The class of 1993, to think thirty years ago we were given the opportunity to have Shawn as a classmate. Many of us have went in many different directions. Not surprised on what Shawn accomplished and to know his greatest was the love in his family and the young men he helped mold. We were provided a mere four years of being graced with his kindness and humor. My condolences to the family. May his every bit be lived through the accomplishments of his sons in their future endeavors as well.
Growing up together
Shawn Rainey
First off my condolences goes out to his wife and mother. I had the privilege to know Shawn on all kinds of levels. I have a story to share. Shawn and I played sports together since 7th grade so with us living out in Saint Phillips area we car pooled a lot. I remember driving home from practice probably our freshman year. We were on Ford Road passing Immanuel United Church of Christ and right past that was a A framed house with the front of the house being all windows. Out of the blue Shawn said “if I had that house I would play pornography movies for people to see“. As you guess his mom was pretty upset about that but in my head I was laughing my ass off. I admired him for his dedication to school and athletics. He was a very intelligent person and a bright future in my eyes and he didn’t disappoint. I will miss him and would never trade to times we had.
a great colleague
Shawn was a smart, hard working man that was fair and honest, kind and considerate. He will be greatly missed in the higher ed research community. Thoughts, love and prayers. David Mahan (Kentucky CPE)
Shawn
Janelle, I’m so very sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing. I will keep you, Max and Ben in my prayers for comfort and peace. You all can take comfort in knowing that he is now healed and suffering no more.
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