Obituary of Donald Shaw

Donald Shaw passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, May 12, 2015. He was 80 years old. Don was born in Waltham in the family homestead. He was the son of Polish immigrants, the late John and Thecla Shaw. He grew up in Waltham and was a graduate of Waltham High School. He was a self-taught man. Don was a member of the 182nd Infantry of the National Guard out of Waltham, Massachusetts. Don was a store and residential interior designer starting his career at Gorins Stores Inc. and Almy’s Department Stores. He also worked for DeStefano Studios and ended his career owning his own company, Don Shaw Associates. Over the years he enjoyed designing a variety of homes, retail stores, and college books stores. At home he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved being near the ocean, especially Plum Island. He was a director and lifelong member of the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association. He was also a member of the Plum Island surfcasters and the Mass. Stripe Bass Association. He loved surfcasting and would spend hours spinning plugs and lures. Don and his family often enjoyed weekends on the beaches of Plum Island, Race Point, and Sandy Neck beach in some secluded area with their beach buggies. They all thoroughly enjoy fishing, swimming and picnic’s on the beach. Don enjoyed vacationing with his family at Mooselookmeguntic Lake in Rangeley Maine. He also enjoyed bicycling and photography. He had his own unique sense of humor that could lighten up any moment. He was a special man who cared and loved his family deeply. He enjoyed sharing his passions with his children and grandchildren. Don was the devoted husband of 58 years of Barbara J. (May) Shaw. He was the loving father of Deborah Oddy & her husband Patrick of Danville, NH, Jeff & his wife Janet of Waltham, Stephanie Sander & her husband Tom of Waltham and Katrina Marsala & her husband Chris of Billerica. Brother of the late Anna Graber and Alfred Shaw. He was the proud grandfather of Matthew and the late Nathan Oddy, Carly Shaw, Samantha, Amanda, Mikhaila, and Jason Marsala. Funeral Services were private. Memorials in Don’s name may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Boston, 295 Devonshire St., 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02110 www.massri.wish.org