ROBERT GOULD SHAW

1939 - 2022

SHAW, Robert Gould Passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 16, 2022. Bob as he was known, was born on Christmas Eve 1939 to Frank and Ruth Wellington Shaw. He was raised in the Boston area and was a graduate of Dexter School, Milton Academy and Harvard College. Bob is survived by his brother William "Bill" and his wife Sharon, her 2-children and 3 grandchildren. He was predeceased by his dear sister Marguerite. Bob loved history, the Red Sox, classic movies and his time rowing crew at Harvard. His love of water continued with his sailing adventures through Buzzards Bay with his father, brother, and sister-in-law. He spent more than 30 years working at the New England Historic Genealogical Society, working diligently to digitize their collection of diaries and journals that tell the first-hand accounts of the growth and development of New England. Bob always appreciated the history associated with his lineage and the impact his relatives had on the founding of America. Bob dedicated many years to the Shaw Fund for Mariners Children, a fund established generations ago to aid the families of seamen lost at sea, where he most recently served as its Vice President. Bob and his father were dedicated to their involvement in the Society of the Cincinnati. He also studied the history of his namesake, Col. Robert Gould Shaw who commanded the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the 1st African American regiment during the Civil War. (Chronicled in the movie Glory.) Bob was kind, compassionate and always generous and thankful to those who helped and hosted him throughout his life. He was content in his surroundings. He spent the past few years happily at home, with frequent visits from family and friends, surrounded by books, Boston Globe crosswords, classic movies, and the sounds of his favorite Classical and Jazz music throughout the house. The world is a better place for having Bob Shaw in it and those who knew him should aspire to have a little more of Bob's spirit in our daily lives. The family will be hosting a Memorial Service for Bob later this summer and ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Shaw Fund for Mariners Children or the Alzheimer's Association. Bell-O'Dea Funeral Home 376 Washington St. Brookline, MA 02445 617-277-7652