Sean Daniel Ledwith, of Malverne, died in his sleep on Jan. 11. He was 45.
Sean was the beloved husband of Shannon Ledwith (née Sullivan), his high school sweetheart and wife of 18 years, and the devoted father of four children: Maeve, Sean Jr., Connor and Finn. He graduated from Our Lady of Peace School, Kellenberg Memorial High School — where he met his wife — and Adelphi University.
He was the son of the late Peter K. Ledwith and Susan Ledwith (née Boyd) of Lynbrook, and the beloved son-in-law of Mary Ann Hanson and Patrick and Lynn Sullivan, all of Malverne. His sister is Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Laura Ryder.
Sean’s warmth, humor and generosity left an impression on everyone he met. Whether laughing with friends over a Jets or Knicks game or shuttling his kids to their many activities, he radiated love and commitment. He was a tireless father, navigating difficult schedules with Shannon to ensure their children had access to a Catholic education and meaningful opportunities.
“When you think of Sean, you have an incredible number of warm thoughts that come,” Tom Atkinson, his brother-in-law said. “But I think the word that comes first is loyalty, in that he was incredibly loyal and faithful to his family, to his kids, to his wife of 18 years, to his country having served three tours and to the police department.”
After a successful career in software sales, Sean answered a lifelong calling in May 2014 and joined the Nassau County police. Over his 12-year career, he rose to duty as a plainclothes officer and was selected for the department’s elite Bureau of Special Operations, where he served with distinction in tactical and high-risk operations.
Said to be a proud Marine, Sean completed three overseas deployments: two in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one in Kosovo with a United Nations peacekeeping force. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Second Award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Second Award) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) — and it reads:
“— His leadership never wavered in the face of an aggressive and determined enemy. Sergeant Ledwith’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”
Sean served in many roles throughout his life — Marine sergeant, police officer, quarterback, lifeguard, youth coach, husband, father, son and brother — but above all, he will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to the people and communities he loved.
“He was quick to laugh, and would just be so thrilled to see you almost no matter who you are, which was nice,” Atkinson said. Sean touched everyone. “He was really just a wonderful guy.”
He is also survived by nine siblings, 28 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, 32 nieces and nephews (and counting), countless friends and innumerable brothers in blue from the Nassau County Police Department and fellow Marines from the United States Marine Corps.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ledwith Family Trust, c/o Ledwith and Atkinson, 81 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook.
To make donations to the Ledwith Family Trust, visit, gofund.me.
