William Thomas Shaw

William Thomas Shaw (Tom) died on April 19^th at the age of 89. He fought valiantly against Alzheimer’s disease, maintaining his wonderful and loving personality. He taught us how to persevere with dignity, determination, grace and to be thankful and kind.

Tom was born in November of 1933 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania to Owen DuWayne and Margaretta Shaw. He was the younger brother of Robert Shaw and became older brother to James Shaw.

Tom’s father was a hotelier so he lived in many locations in Western Pennsylvania graduating from New Castle High School in New Castle, PA at the age of 16. Tom then attended Penn State under the Air Force ROTC program and graduated in 1954 with a BS Degree in Hotel Administration. He served two years in the Air Force after school, and remained an enthusiastic, lifelong alumni of Penn State. He enjoyed taking his family to Beaver Stadium for Nittany Lion football games.

On the Jersey shore he worked in a restaurant for the summer and met a waitress and Penn State student named Donna Mae Vought. They married in 1956. They were married for over 66 years when Donna passed away on January 5th of this year and they are now reunited.

Tom worked 30 years for National Vulcanized Fiber (NVF) of Yorklyn, DE. He joined LMC Plasticsource in 1986, and contributed to the growth of the company.  He enjoyed his time there and was known for his honesty and integrity.

He was a music enthusiast, and was an avid student of American Civil War History. Most of all, Tom enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He had a great sense of humor, a gratitude for life, and a strong anchoring in the Christian faith.

Tom is survived by his daughter Karen Shaw Stewart and son Wayne Edward Shaw, daughter-in-law Carolyn Shaw, and four grandchildren whom he cherished: Amy Else Shaw (Joey Gilliland), Erik Thomas Shaw (Alexandra Beebe), Sean Boone Kirkpatrick, and Peter Andrew Shaw (Hannah Valdivieso). Tom had a great grandson and namesake William Thomas Shaw. Tom is also survived by his younger brother Jim Shaw and sisters-in-law Kay Bryant and Emmy Shaw. He also leaves nephews and nieces, and friends of many years.

A long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE, Dad was an example for us all and lived a truly Christian life. He was patient and kind and truly served others. We were blessed beyond measure to have him in our lives.