Brothers,

It is with deep regret that I must announce the passing of Brother Shawn "Bam Bam" Reilly. Shawn died on July 22, 2008. He was 37 years old.

Shawn was one of the original Founding Fathers of the second incarnation of the Delta-Beta Chapter of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International. He joined our group at a time when there was great resentment and resistance against the formation of a new fraternity at then-Monmouth College. It wasn't easy in those early days - we had to fight (sometimes literally) for our survival on campus. Shawn knew that joining our group wouldn't be a popular or easy thing to do, but when asked to join Shawn unhesitatingly said yes with his trademark grin.

Shawn was quickly elected to the Executive Council of the chapter serving as First Counselor as well as chairing several committees. Shawn used his substantial physical abilities to help win Delta-Beta's first Greek Week Championship. Shawn and I played on the offensive and defensive lines of our intramural football team and on the defense of our floor hockey team.

Shawn didn't just have a strong arm though - he had an even stronger heart. Shawn was always there to help his friends. I can remember Shawn giving his philosophy lectures to young brothers as they were starting out. These lectures could (and usually did) last for hours. Shawn was the only person I knew who could discuss the finer points of Buddhism while lifting a half keg of beer onto a truck with one arm.

Shawn will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fraternity. It seems like yesterday that we were all at school without a care in the world. We were young then, not knowing what the future would bring...life seemed simple. Brothers, as time goes by you will begin to see that life becomes a bit more complicated. You, too, will look back at your school days with great feelings of nostalgia.

I do believe that there is some good that can, and should, come from this tragic event. Shawn's death should serve as a reminder to appreciate each other and the short time we have together. Gentlemen, if you wish to honor the memory of Brother Shawn Reilly, then always keep the Delta-Beta Chapter strong! By keeping Delta-Beta moving into the future, we are ensuring that Shawn will always live on in our collective memories. As long as our chapter exists, we will all live on forever in the memories of our brothers. Be loyal to each other and to Sigma Pi. For all he did for us, we owe that much to Brother Shawn Reilly.

IST,
Frank Rizzuto
Past Sage, Delta-Beta Chapter