Charles H. Shaw

Charles H. Shaw

Northfield, MA - Charles "Charlie" H. Shaw, 74, of Millers Falls Road in Northfield, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.

Born in Brookline, MA, Charlie was the beloved son of John and Blanche (Holman) Shaw. A lifelong learner, he grew up in Norwood, graduating from Norwood High School in 1968 as a two-time State Wrestling Champion. He went on to attend UMass, earning an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, and later pursued an array of trade courses at Greenfield Community College, including refrigeration, building design, and construction. In 2000, he earned his Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License.

Charlie's skill and creativity showed early-at just 19, he built his first home from the ground up in Wendell, later going on to build his second. A true jack-of-all-trades, he worked as a carpenter, real estate entrepreneur, automobile salesman, operations manager, henna tattoo artist, and more. At heart, he was an artist. His creative work spanned vibrant acrylic and oil paintings, as well as a distinctive wood-branding style in which he heated an iron to press words and messages into wood-most memorably, WE ARE ALL DIFFERENT, WE ARE ALL THE SAME. His work was displayed at Artspace Community Center in Greenfield and the Discovery Center in Turners Falls.

Charlie approached life with a boundless zest, insatiable curiosity, and quick wit. An avid reader whose home overflowed with books, he could talk about nearly any topic with warmth, humor, and insight. He loved gardening-especially tomatoes and herb-and was a devoted collector of Godzilla memorabilia. Known for making people laugh, he had a gift for turning strangers into friends, and his ability to connect left a lasting mark on countless lives.

Charlie was deeply committed to community service. He served as Vice President of the Northfield Kiwanis Club, was an active member of the Northfield Planning Board, the Northfield Democratic Committee (serving as a Delegate for the State Democratic Convention), and the Franklin County Rotary Club. While living in San Diego, CA, he served as President of the Mission Beach Rotary Club in 2006, having been an active member there since 2001 and receiving the Paul Harris Award. He was also a 32° Scottish Rite Mason. He volunteered with Head Start, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and for the last decade, delivered meals and friendship as a dedicated Meals on Wheels driver.

Charlie leaves behind his wife, Ginny Toole, with whom he would have celebrated 38 years of marriage on August 15. He is also survived by his children-William Doyle IV, Jacob Shaw, Katie Andrews, Cory Shaw, Brandon Doyle, and Christopher Doyle-

and his grandchildren: Bianca, Quinn, Jack, Laurence, Drake, Brody, and Camryn. His Shaw motto to his grandchildren was "Be careful."

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie's honor to Meals on Wheels/Lifepath at https://lifepath.app.neoncrm.com/forms/online-donations

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.