Sachem Hall of Famer Shawn McNamara, Class of ’79, Dies

Gentle giant is a stereotypical way to describe many people, but for anyone who knew Shawn McNamara, it’s a perfect description of the hulking man who was as nice as anyone off the field and flipped a switch when he was between the lines. That’s how his Sachem football teammates describe the 1979 graduate.

McNamara, who has suffered from Lewy Body Dementia for the last six years, died this week surrounded by family. He was 63.

A three-sport athlete at Sachem in the 1970s, he was most notable on the gridiron and played an influential role on Sachem’s first two Suffolk County championship teams in 1977 and 1978. He is also one of just a handful of Sachem players to be tapped as a Parade All-American. 

“A force,” legendary Sachem football coach Fred Fusaro said, describing his former 6-foot-5 defensive tackle. “For his size, he moved really well. He was such a good player for his strength and size.” 

Heading into his junior year, he was among the country’s most highly recruited defensive tackles. Woody Hayes, Bobby Bowden, and George O’Leary ascended to Lake Ronkonkoma to meet the 6-foot-5 McNamara, but Penn State and Joe Paterno ultimately landed the prized recruit. 

Away at training camp in Fishkill, NY, McNamara went down with a knee injury in the last practice before his senior season was set to kick off. He fell, a teammate landed on his leg, and he blew out his knee. After having major knee surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, he was forced to miss his senior year. 

He was still an effective leader, even on crutches. Fusaro had him suit up for the Suffolk County championship game against East Islip to play mind games with Boomer Esiason and Sal Ciampi. 

“It was the intimidation factor,” Fusaro said, laughing. 

His teammate and classmate John Matheis recalls the moment vividly. 

“He totally went ballistic, smashing his crutches,” Matheis said. “Pieces were flying all over the locker room, and there were tears, of course. It was one of the best personal inspiration speeches ever. That was his way of doing his part, and we all know what happened that day.”

Sachem won, 15-0, and East Islip never crossed the 50-yard line. 

Penn State honored his scholarship, and he red-shirted his freshman season. He blew out his knee again during his second season in Happy Valley, effectively ending his playing career. 

“If he didn’t get hurt, he would have been a pro football player,” Fusaro said. “There is no question. He was cerebral on the field. One of our very best.”

After his doctors advised him not to play anymore, he became a JV football coach at Penn State and later was the assistant strength coach working with one of the top strength staffs in the country. After graduation, he took a similar job at Georgia Tech but ultimately became a high school history teacher and football coach in the South. 

Even as a quiet and purposeful leader in high school, his teammates knew McNamara was special.

“A gentle giant,” Matheis said. “He was a man who said little but carried a big stick. When he spoke, you definitely listened, and he was a tremendously quiet leader through action.”

Older teammates describe him as integral to Sachem’s first county championship and Rutger’s Trophy team in 1977. 

“He always greeted you with a smile, except on the field,” said Brian Dehler, Sachem’s quarterback in 1977 and that year’s Hansen Award winner as the top player in Suffolk County. “I’m glad he was on our sideline.”

Jerry Figgiani, the starting running back on the 1977 championship team, said McNamara was a vital aspect of their title win against Pat-Med. He also enjoyed connecting with him at Fusaro’s 80th birthday party last year and other Sachem alumni functions.

“It is truly Shawn’s integrity and respect that defined him, on and off the field,” Figgiani said. “People come into our lives for a reason, and Shawn truly made a lasting impact on mine. I am so grateful through Sachem events that I and some teammates had a chance to see him in recent years.”

McNamara was inducted into Sachem’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. His plaque will forever hang on the wall at Sachem North as a reminder of his legacy, leadership, and dominant play on the defensive line.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia McNamara, daughters Erin McNamara, Kellie McNamara, and Katherine Pierce, son-in-law Shane Pierce, sister Cindy McNamara, brother Blake McNamara, nephew Blake McNamara Jr., and former spouse, Laura Marrone (Sachem Class of ‘81).

Family and friends will gather for visitation from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, at Horton-Mathie Funeral Home in Greenport, NY, with a 12:30 p.m. funeral service.