Thomas Shaw Obituary
Melbourne - Thomas R. Shaw, passed away June 3, 2018 after a battle with cancer. Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma and Greenwich, CT, he moved to Melbourne, Florida, attended Florida Institute of Technology. He worked for Radiation & Harris Engineering Corporation and led several departments in groundbreaking areas.
Thomas R. Shaw was principal in the development and implementation of the first weather satellite systems utilized by the Federal Government. He also led projects on National Fire Suppression and Cybersecurity from its earliest beginnings.
After working for 30 years, Thomas R. Shaw left Harris and became an independent contractor, working for engineering firms such as Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and the Department of Defense.
He expanded his Cybersecurity work and was currently one of the world's foremost experts on email Security. In recent years he had been called several times to speak before Congress and advise the Federal Governement's IT departments on the current threats and possible avenues to ensure our national Cybersecurity.
Thomas R. Shaw was happily married to wife, Renee, for 45 years. They have travelled to over 35 countries and their Canadian Island cottage. They have lived in Melbourne Beach, FL on the water for 45 years. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Cholnoky, and brothers, John Cholnoky and Peter Cholnoky, and their families.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mayo Cancer Research at mayoclinic.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Gene Blaettler
November 29, 2018
Sad to hear of Tom's passing. We attended FIT participated in several Model United Nation competitions. Condolences Renee.
Gene, class of '72
Sheilah Brukewich
June 14, 2018
Tom was truly a Renaissance Man. Thinking about Renee and hope that precious memories of your adventures together help.
Steve Basford
June 11, 2018
Tom was involved in the early days of 3rd Party ClamAV signatures (around 2009) and since then his signatures have helped many users block both spam and malware alike. Rest in peace Tom, you'll be sorely missed. My thoughts and prayers will be with Tom's family and friends during this difficult time.
Emanuele
June 10, 2018
I knew Tom more or less 12 years ago, when I made my first shy steps in the infosec world.
Tom was there to literally take me under his wing, pushing me into doing things I wouldnt have dared to do, putting a lot of effort showing me that I was good enough and that my contributions were considered valuable.
Hes been a mentor and I ended up considering him as a part of my family, even after our professional ways separated years ago.
I owe Tom a lot, and he certainly wont be forgotten by the several people he helped in his life.
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Steve and Barb Salavdor
June 9, 2018
Wow, what can you say. Always enjoyed visits with he and Renee. Will surely miss him. Thought and prayers are with you Renee and family.
June 8, 2018
Great friend and man. Countless millions around the globe have no idea the efforts Tom put forth to help protect them in the cyber-world. A pleasure to have known you Tom.
-Larry @
Richard Woodvine
June 8, 2018
Rest in peace, Tom. You've done your share to make the world a better place.
Chris Lewis
June 7, 2018
Always a great friend, colleague and sharing. Tom will be greatly missed.
Joel Esler
June 7, 2018
I worked with Tom for years with the ClamAV project. He was a fantastic person to work with. He will be missed.
The Shaws 2018
Heidi Salmon
June 5, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us move forward. Remembering lots of good times and great trips you've shared, fancy gourmet dinners, Disney, and museums. Tom was such a hard worker who really loved what he did. I appreciated his great conversations and debates. Thank you very much. Heidi
The Shaws 2018
Heidi Salmon
June 5, 2018
Flying Fish Chef's Table
CJ & Bobby
June 5, 2018
We first met Tom and Renee numerous years ago at Disney's Food and Wine Festival, and quickly became good friends. He always had great stories to share with us of his adventures. We will always remember the magnificent times we shared every Autumn at the Food & Wine Festival. We will miss him dearly. He will live on in our hearts and mind! A truly Exemplary Man!
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405 South Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32952
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