Sean Michael Blaney, 44, passed away on April 4, 2026, surrounded by family.

Sean was born on May 23, 1981, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Brett Blaney and Jennifer Chandler Blaney. 

He attended Grand Junction High School, where he proudly played on the varsity Tiger Football Team. After high school, Sean pursued amateur boxing at Impact Boxing where he was trained by father Brett Blaney and Alex Trottier. Sean excelled becoming a phenomenal fighter ranked No. 7 in the United States and competing in the U.S. Olympic Trials. He later turned professional, earning the No. 1 Cruiserweight ranking in the Southwest region and becoming known in the ring as Sean “The Irish Sandman” Blaney.

Sean chose to leave boxing when he learned he was going to be a father. From that moment on, his greatest joy and purpose were his daughters—Madison, Karson, and Rylie. To provide for them, he became a respected leader in the pipeline industry, a role that required long stretches away from home. Wanting to be closer to his family, Sean later became an entrepreneur in the home and construction industry. Through Gemini Properties, he rehabilitated aging homes, and with Gemini Construction he expanded his work after earning his General Contractor license. Construction, Golf, friendships, spending time with Grams, and fatherhood filled his final days.

A lover, a fighter, a father, a brother, a son, a nephew, and a grandson—Sean fought his final fight on April 4th, when his passionate heart stopped beating. A dangerous buildup of potassium ended his battle despite the finest medical team in his corner fighting alongside him against acute pancreatitis. True to Sean's nature he fought this final fight with fierce determination and in the end, went out on his shield. We take comfort in knowing that Heaven needed Sean as much as we all did, and that his big arms will be ready to greet us when our time comes.

Sean was followed in death by his beloved grandmother, Lee Ann Blaney, who passed just five days after him. He is preceded in death by his grandfathers Bud Blaney and Richard Chandler; grandmother Carla Nichols; step grandfather Robert Miller. He is survived by the greatest loves of his life—his much loved daughters Madison, Karson, and Rylie; father Brett (Andrea) Blaney; mother Jennifer Blaney; his little sister Meghan Blaney (Jake Gadbois); his big brother of an uncle Brook (Shay) Blaney; Aunts Annette Gerkin, Carrie Roweton, Janelle Smith (Mike), and Amy Dimarzio (Brian).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to PanCAN (Pancreatic Cancer Action Network).