ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Since the death of his twin brother Shawn Chrisagis, Brian Chrisagis has said his late brother was the mastermind behind their famous Legends concerts held in the Ohio Valley during the past few years.

On Monday, to honor his brother, Brian orchestrated Shawn’s funeral in a style similar to one of those events, complete with many video tributes from their longtime friends in Christian music and ministry. A few of their celebrity friends also attended in person, including actors Jennifer O’Neill, Jack Scalia and Lindsay Wagner.

The celebration of Shawn’s life was held at Harbor of Hope Assembly of God Church in St. Clairsville. Hundreds of people attended to pay their respects, pray and mourn. Shawn Chrisagis died June 13 of an apparent heart attack, his brother Brian has said. He was 55 years old.

Several live music performances were also conducted by Christian music artists including Julie Nickell, Leon Patillo, and Bob and Jane Farrell.

Everyone shared memories of Shawn Chrisagis, noting how kind and genuine he was and how deep his faith in God was. They also had some funny stories to tell regarding him and his brother’s lack of driving skills and difficulty navigating roadways while picking up their Legends concert performers from the Pittsburgh airport. They also joked about the brothers’ distinctive laughs.

Many encouraged Brian to stay strong and carry on the ministry he and brother pioneered together decades ago.

“Brian, I know you lost someone very special. I know you feel a little lost without him, but I know Shawn is watching over you and wants you to carry on the legacy,” said actress Catherine Hickland in a video message. “I hope you find the strength to do that; it may take some time.”

Hickland said Shawn was “a good and faithful servant of God.”

“I believe Shawn is dancing in heaven and is so happy,” she said.

Actress Catherine Bach said in a video message that she remembered the first time she met Shawn in person, adding she was impressed with the way he dressed, the way he sang and his hair.

“But what got to me was his kindness and compassion and his grace under pressure,” Bach said. “He was an amazing young man and I miss him so much.”

Bach said Shawn once asked her to marry him, but Brian said he loved her, too. So she joked with the twins that if Brian can organize a Legends show that he could certainly organize a three-person marriage.

“They were like one person to me, so lovely, solid and stable. Shawn I miss you. God bless and rest in peace. I’ll see you,” Bach said.

Before taking the stage to sing, Patillo said he always enjoyed talking with Shawn and Brian, noting both had a “childlike spirit” to them.

Shawn, he said, had a “bubbly, happy spirit.” Patillo half-joked that he and his wife were going to find Brian a future wife.

“I know you like my wife, but you can’t have her,” he quipped.

Wagner said she and Shawn did not always see eye-to-eye on everything regarding religion, but they loved each other anyway.

“No matter what I think he still loved me. I almost think he tried to loved me more because he thought it would help,” she said.

Scalia said both Shawn and Brian are authentic people.

“When you’re talking to them they make you feel like you’re the most important person in the room,” he said. “They were always the same people and that drew me in.”

Scalia said Shawn once told him that they had been praying for him since 1979, that his mother told him and Brian to pray for Scalia.

Scalia believes it is no coincidence that 1979 is the year that he took his last drink of alcohol.

“They treated everyone the same. … Thank you for being in my life,” Scalia said.

In a video message, actor Erik Estrada said he has known the brothers for 30 years. He encouraged Brian to continue his ministry.

“Bring people to the Lord and don’t let it die with Shawn,” he said.

O’Neill described Shawn as “kind hearted and generous.” She said the brothers first called her 35 years ago and were “tenacious.” She joked about hearing their laugh for the first time in the airport and how it scared her.

“God was in a good mood when he made both of you,” she said. “Their motive was always pure.”

Pastor Paul Sitko said he met the brothers when they were 15 years old. He said he feels as though he has lost a son with Shawn’s death. Sitko said he learned a lot from the brothers.

“I know he’s in a better place, but, daggone, I miss him,” Sitko said of Shawn.

Shawn was born March 16, 1968, in Wheeling, a son of the late John and Marguerite (DeFilippo) Chrisagis. In addition to his twin brother Brian, he is also survived by his brother Anthony Chrisagis.