Jewelry industry veteran Steve Shonebarger died Saturday at age 66.
The cause of death was a heart attack. Most recently, Shonebarger served as vice president of U.S. wholesale operations for de Grisogono — a role he assumed in February. Prior to that, he held similar roles at jewelry brands including Bulgari, Harry Winston and Corum watches. His positions often took him across the country, making him a well-known figure at industry events including the Las Vegas JCK trade show, among others.
De Grisogono’s U.S. president Giovanni Mattera said of Shonebarger: “After knowing Steve for 25 years he came to us in late February of this year and was chosen for being well regarded in the field of wholesale. His passing was sudden and sad and he will be missed internationally from all of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him at this short time at de Grisogono. Me, Mr. [Fawaz] Gruosi and the entire de Grisogono team send our prayers and thoughts to Steve’s family at this most difficult time.”
Shonebarger is survived by five children and six grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Friday at 11 am at Saint Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly, Va.