Shawn Michael Byrne worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years. He employed by industry giants such as the Marriott Marquis in New York City (Manhattan), Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, and, other major corporations throughout the United States. He is the former owner of the Gallery Cafe in Florida, and, held an adjunct professor position at The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City.

In addition to his work, Shawn also engaged in an acting career and has been a featured extra in both television and film including: “Law and Order”, “Anger Management”, “Spiderman 3”, “Analyze That”, and, “Law and Order: SVU” just to name a few. He was also an illustrator/artist/photographer.

Shawn was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and, grew up in the neighboring town of Leonia. He was the son of the late Robert Byrne and the late Anne Byrne. He had two brothers, Robert and Walter; and, a daugther, Jessica Byrne. His birthday was May 21, 1961.

He was married to Monica Poveromo with whom he had one daughter, Jessica, and later divorced. He later then married Jacqueline Tina Rinaldi who was his spouse at the time of his death on August 30, 2021.