Phillip SHAW

1935 - 2025

SHAW, Phillip Of Lexington, passed away peacefully, on March 10, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89. Born in Somerville on August 12, 1935, to John and Agnes Shaw. Phil graduated from Medford High School in 1954, where he served as senior class president. He then attended Tufts University in Medford, earning his degree in 1958.

Phil was an exceptional student-athlete. At Tufts, he excelled in three sports: soccer, basketball and baseball. Known as "Hawk" by his peers, he earned a reputation as a sharpshooter in basketball and a standout pitcher on the baseball team. In 1956, he became the first-ever recipient of the Pop Houston Award, given to Tufts' top athlete. In recognition of his achievements and contributions to the Tufts athletic program, he was honored with the Tufts Jumbo Club Award in 1980.

After college, Phil pursued a career in teaching and coaching at the high school level. In the summer of 1959, while on Cape Cod, he met the love of his life, Sandra. They married in 1960, beginning a wonderful 64-year journey together. As he started his family, Phil transitioned into the corporate world, working for Owens-Corning in West Hartford, CT. A few years later, he returned to Massachusetts and embarked on a successful career in real estate, first as a broker and later as an appraiser.

In the early 1970s, he founded Shaw and Associates Real Estate Appraisals, a thriving business that would employ dozens of practitioners, and more than a few members of his extended family, over the next 40 years. Highly respected in his field, Phil was known across the region for his honesty, thoroughness and deep expertise. A sought-after mentor, he was admired not only for his real estate insights, but also for his infectious laugh and warm smile.

When he wasn't in the office, Phil could often be found in his cherished garden, where he enjoyed growing tomatoes, green beans, swiss chard and squash. He also enjoyed playing tennis and taking walks and bike rides with his wife.

Phil's love of sports didn't end with his playing days. One of his greatest joys was watching his sons compete, particularly in basketball, hockey and baseball. He was also fortunate to witness the next generation of Shaws excel, not only in sports, but in the arts as well.

In addition to his wife, Sandra; Phil is survived by his sons, Douglas (Karen), David and Matthew (Kim); and his grandchildren, Christopher, Graham, Brendan, Madeline, Avery, Lydia, Teddy and James.

A Memorial Service will be held at Hancock Church, 1912 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA, on Thursday, April 3, at 1:00 p.m.