Sean David Larkin

Sean David Larkin, 9, of Tega Cay, South Carolina passed away peacefully in the presence of his parents, Ryan and Melisa Larkin, on Saturday, October 31, 2020. He was born on June 19, 2011 in Pineville, North Carolina.

Sean was preceded in death by his grandfather Dave Riordan; his great-grandparents, including Nan Riordan and John Scialla, who were both blessed to be alive during Sean’s life; and his great-uncle Dana Young. 

He has been surrounded his entire life by a large and loving family. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandparents, Vicki and Marvin Young, Betty Larkin, Bill and Trudi Larkin, and Katherine Riordan; his great-aunts and uncle Dorothy Larkin, Jerris Riordan, Pat Keegan, Sandy Bohnsack, and Mike and Linda Riordan; his aunts and uncles Laura and Bill O’Brien, Carey Riordan, John and Karen Riordan, Scott Larkin, Matt and Paige Riordan, and Michael and Melissa Riordan; his cousins Matt, Lindsay, Caroline, Johnny, Jack, Colleen, Patrick, Alex, Paige, Sydney, Emma, and Danny; and many other distant aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Sean suffered from Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy; but that didn’t prevent him from living an extraordinary life. He loved being held in our arms and gripping our hands, was comforted by the voices of his friends, family, and those who cared for him (Team Sean), enjoyed the sounds of nature both in his yard and at the beach, loved listening to music, singing, and laughter, and was fascinated by the world around him.

He touched the lives of those he met and those who heard his story. He was an inspiration through his resilience and strength. He changed the way we view people with disabilities. He taught us how to love unconditionally and how to dedicate our lives to caring for someone else. And most of all, he brought joy to everyone who met this sweet, innocent, and loving child.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Team Sean: the incredible nurses, doctors, therapists, aides, and teachers who cared for Sean and, in general, have dedicated their lives to helping children. They treated Sean and our family with compassion, dignity, and love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Levine Children’s Hospital, the Epilepsy Foundation, or the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Foundation.

A service will be held Saturday, November 7, 2020, at 11:00 am EST at Palmetto Funeral Home, 2049 Carolina Place Drive, Fort Mill, SC.

Those who are not able to attend may still join our service virtually by following  the Palmetto Funeral Group Facebook Page. The live stream will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday. November 7, 2020.

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