In Memory of Eric Shawn Connine

Obituary

Eric Shawn Connine, 61 of Barneveld, NY left the mortal plane of Earth on February 9th, 2025.

Born June 3, 1963 to John G. Connine and Nancy J. Fernalld Connine McIntosh, he was raised by his aunt, who he called Mom, Glenda Connine Nikodem and her husband Joseph of Sauquoit, NY. He attended Sauquoit Valley Central School, graduating in 1981. He traveled extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico after graduating with his ex-husband John, eventually returning home in 1985 and beginning his career with Central New York-DSO. Although he said it wasn’t a career path he expected to follow, he felt blessed because he truly loved working with “his folks”. He retired from state service in 2018.

Eric loved politics, travel, family, cooking, poker, New England Patriots football and any dog that he met. The only place he was happier than being on a plane, train or ship to some far off destination was in his kitchen cooking for his family and friends or spending time with his “crewe”. His favorite place to visit was Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, where he would “re-set”. He relished a good debate on current events and politics and often joked he followed politics like some folks follow football. He detested trump and MAGA with the heat of a thousand suns. Eric lived his life on his own terms from beginning to end, with simple ideals. It’s better to be hated for who you are than loved for who you’re not. You never learn a thing by being right. It costs nothing to say please and thank you. Never judge anyone on anything but their character. He was a firm believer that “family” was as much as, if not more bond than blood, and would often be heard saying family that are friends, and friends that are family.

Eric leaves behind his beloved son, Steven and Daughter-in-Law (who he thought of and loved as his own) Beth (Clayton) Connine of Barneveld, NY. His four Grandchildren, Adam Zaishnikov and partner Caedyn Rowlands, Matthew Zashnikov, Lily Connine and Adalyn Connine of Barneveld, NY. His “adopted” sister Chrissie Reid Finn and Brother-in-Law Richard, of Remsen, NY. Nieces McKenzie Finn of Shreveport, LA and McKayla Finn of Remsen, NY. His Brother-in-Arms, William McDonald of Remsen, NY. His “wayward children” Jamie Stewart of Clarks Mills, NY. Jesse Kayachith of Utica, NY. and Desmond Sook of Yorkville, NY. His friends that are family, Kimmer and Perry Preston of Remsen, NY. Dawn Potter of Remsen, NY. Deb Howard of Remsen, NY. Steven Bockardt of Utica, NY. David Siriano of Barneveld, NY. Tom Tompkins and John Mastroianni of Johnstown, NY. Hilary Napoleone-Williams of Philadelphia, PA. Dorianne Colvin of Tully, NY. Tyler Colvin of Phoenix, AZ. He leaves a step-brother Ian McIntosh, wife Nicole and children of Torrance, CA. He leaves a special cousin, Flo Woods of Tucson, AZ, and an aunt, Laurie Stacey of West Exeter, NY. He also leaves his beloved dogs, his “gurlz” Momma Murphy, and Miss Maggie in the loving care of his family and fellow pack members Marley and Bully (BooBear). He was predeceased by his Mom, Glenda Connine Nikodem and Grampa John P. Connine, who he has missed everyday and hopes they have the coffee on and Pinochle cards dealt when he gets there because they have a lot to discuss. He was also predeceased by special friends, Michael Klabun of Marana, AZ, Thomas Cosifos of Utica, NY, John Carro Jr. of Glendale, AZ/Rome, NY and his furikids Sebastian, Moosie and Miss Kyra.

In alignment with his wishes and beliefs, he was cremated as soon as possible after his death, with no funeral service or calling hours held. Arrangements are with Simple Cremation CNY.