Sean Michael Behun

Sean Michael Behun crossed into the ethereal plane at his home Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 at precisely noon – his favorite waking hour on weekends – after a long and particularly heroic battle with cancer. Sean was surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones in his final weeks. Mere days before his passing he found the humor to accuse his eldest son of being “on drugs” for checking in on him too frequently, maintaining the boyish charm, crass humor, and witty smile many knew him for right until the very end. While gone in body, he remains with us in spirit and will be sorely missed by those remaining in this mortal coil.

Sean was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and resided in Sewickley for the majority of his life. Son of Marcia Ann Sullivan (Behun) and Joseph Michael Behun, MD, he was an only child for a mere handful of years before his sisters Kelly Behun (Sugarman) and Kathleen Behun dethroned his treasured “favorite child” status. Sean attended Sewickley Academy and later the University of Colorado Boulder, finishing his educational journey at the University of Pittsburgh. He developed and maintained many lifelong friendships at each institution.

Sean met his future wife, Deborah Douglas Reese, after returning to Sewickley post-college. A fruitful courtship that ultimately resulted in the birth of their two sons, Brandon and Connor, they remained married for nearly two decades before divorcing, proving, as Sean liked to say, “even the best parties need a last call.”

Sean is preceded in death by his father, Joseph (whom family affectionately refer to as “Papa Josie”) and a number of close friends throughout the years. He is survived by his mother, Marcia, sister Kelly and her husband, Jay Sugarman (Arno & Miles), sister Kathleen, son Brandon and his wife, Margaret “Maggie” Roberts (Behun), and son Connor. Sean was also blessed with getting to know his only granddaughter, Margaux (Brandon & Maggie), with whom he spent his last truly lucid moment.

For those who knew him, Sean will be remembered as a man who would drop everything to lend a hand and an excellent companion with whom to share a cocktail (or three). His laugh was infectious, which was similarly passed to his eldest son through the miracle of genetics. He possessed a love for competitive sport, particularly racquet sports and golf, over which he shared a deep bond and similar talent with his youngest son. Neither son inherited his infuriatingly perfect hair, much to their chagrin. He lived for and deeply loved both his children, in his way, and left a lasting imprint on the lives of all he touched.

Generally a joyous soul, Sean was an avid walker, fisherman, car enthusiast, firearm collector, DIYer, and patriot. He enjoyed the outdoors and maintained a persistent sense of wonderment with mother nature and all her glory.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends, invitations to follow. In lieu of flowers, please take a friend out for a drink, raise a glass to our dear father, and tell a story that would have made him laugh. Always remember: life is about the journey, not the destination.

Godspeed, Dad!

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