Shawn Johnson, 37, of Danbury died July 30. He grew up in Newtown and graduated cum laude from Western Connecticut State University where he studied elementary education and psychology.

His fiancée Jessica Bilyard of Danbury; his mother Cheryl Johnson of Newtown; his father and stepmother David and Marie Johnson of Newtown; his sisters Kristina Marciano of Newtown, Amanda Johnson of Colorado Springs, and Andrea Rosenthal, and her husband Gabe, of Half Moon Bay, Calif.; two nephews; his maternal grandmother, Agnes McCarthy of Waterbury; as well as a large extended family survive Mr Johnson.

Mr Johnson was an educator in the Danbury School System for the past several years. He was inspired by Maria Montessori’s philosophy of education and was particularly interested in the psychology of learning. His love of knowledge extended beyond the classroom, as he was an avid reader with a special interest in history and science.

Mr Johnson was an ardent animal lover and had many beloved pets throughout his life.

A memorial celebrating his life will take place Tuesday, August 4, from 5 to 8 pm, at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Danbury Animal Welfare Society at www.daws.org.

To leave an online condolence visit www.honanfh.com.