John Dickinson Shaw
MERIDEN - John Dickinson "Bub" Shaw, 95, passed away peacefully at the Connecticut Baptist Home on Monday, Jan. 9, 2006. A lifelong dedicated resident of Meriden, Mr. Shaw is survived by four children: Stewart Shaw of San Diego, California, Sally Shaw of Corvallis, Oregon, Catherine Turton of Tampa, Florida and Jann Smoot of Clifton, Texas. Mr. Shaw leaves seven grandchildren, Eva Jean Shaw, Michael Schultz, Stacie Jean Smoot, and Jonathan, Gregory, Daniel and Joshua Turton. Mr. Shaw also leaves eight great-grandchildren. Mr. Shaw was predeceased by his wife, Jean Stewart Shaw, mother of his children. He is survived by his former wife, Ella Herman and her son, Harold Carey. He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie Learned and is survived by her daughters, Ann Cooke and Elizabeth Baker. Mr. Shaw was also predeceased by his sisters, Gretchen Doran and Katherine Durgin and by his brother, Henry Shaw. Mr. Shaw is survived by his sister-in-law, Edith Shaw. "Bub" Shaw lived an active and varied life. He graduated from Meriden High School in 1927 as president of his class and worked for a year as an office boy at International Silver Company. He graduated from Duke University in 1932 with many honors as well as being the captain of the basketball team. At the time of his death he was the oldest Duke basketball captain. Upon graduation Mr. Shaw returned to Meriden as a history teacher and assistant basketball coach where he helped Meriden win two successive State and New England championships. He continued to enjoy his athletic skills in tennis--Meriden city doubles champ for years and as a part of the Insilco basketball team. In 1937 Mr. Shaw began working in the sales department of International Silver Company in the Rogers Brothers Division and then the Hotel Division. At the onset of WWII Mr. Shaw began the first of 181 visits to Washington, D.C. where he was instrumental in obtaining contracts from the military that led to International Silver Company receiving 21 Army and Navy awards for production excellence. He ultimately became Vice President and Director of Marketing and a Director of the corporation. He was particularly proud that his career started as office boy and ended 38 years later as officer and director. Mr. Shaw was elected to the Meriden Board of Education in 1945 and re-elected in 1954. He was elected Chairman of the School Board's Building Committee in 1954 and led the city through the planning and construction process for two new junior high schools, and built new or added to every elementary school. One of his great legacies to Meriden is that he led the city's decision to build two new high schools instead of one large school, which were Maloney and Platt High Schools. Ever civic minded, he devoted time and resources to many Meriden organizations. As a result of his work and associations, he was honored to be selected to the Meriden Hall of Fame, Sportsman of the Year, and the Boys Club Hall of Fame. John Shaw died loving his family and the City of Meriden. He exhorts us all to "Carry on - carry on." Mr. Shaw's family extends special thanks to Dr. Benjamin Kahn and the staff of the Connecticut Baptist Home for providing years of thoughtful and loving care to John Shaw. A brief graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, in Walnut Grove Cemetery, followed by a 3:30 p.m. memorial service and reception at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Arrangements are under the direction of BEECHER & BENNETT-FLATOW Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Shaw's family requests that donations be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 20 Catlin St., Meriden, CT 06450, or to the Meriden Boys and Girls Club, 15 Lincoln St., Meriden, CT 06451.
May comforting thoughts be with Family at this difficult time. John was a wonderful and generous person who was always willing to share his talents and treasure for the benefit of others.I had the opportunity to visit and provide transport for John as the need arose. The ocassions were always a rewarding experience. A great follower of his Al-ma Mater Duke which won a big game on the night Of his demise. .ONE FOR THE GIPPER.. Now John .Bub. Shaw resides in the Greatest of all .HALL OF FAME.
Mr. Shaw was a very community minded and generous man. Several years ago he made a contribution to the Max Muravnick Senior Center to make it possible for us to purchase a large screen TV for our members. The new TV has been enjoyed by many over the last few years and Mr. Shaw will be remembered for the care and concern he showed for others in our community – he will be missed! Sincerely, John Hogarth, Senior Center Director
My condolences to the family as a resident of the Baptist home and a member of St. Andrews church
My husband, Mayo, was a friend of John’s, and was on the championship teams that John coached. John was responsible for Mayo receiving a scholarship to Duke University. He was a real inspiration! My sympathy to you. Mrs. Mayo Caneschi
My husband, Mayo, was a friend of John’s, and was on the championship teams that John coached. John was responsible for Mayo receiving a scholarship to Duke. He was a real inspiration! My sympathy to you.
Please know that you and yours are in the thoughts and prayers of everyone at Easy Gardener.
To the family of John Shaw, Papa,aka, .Cobra. of the .indoor-outdoor. hiking club,and I extend our sympathy to you all. John and my father,93,are the last men of a generation who spent many memorable times together; .The Bulls and Bears. bowling club, the hiking club,parties, dances and family gatherings. .The Sheep. and .Cobie,. as my father was called ,were great long time friends. My mother, Ruth Cobb, was also a friend of John and Jean, Ella and Marge. In recent times John and Pop talked occasionally on the phone and thanks to transportation provide by others, John visited my father in Middletown, those visits were much appreciated, my father would report, with a smile, .guess who came to see me today? Jonny Shaw!. Lovingily, Evert and Mary