Rev. Dr. David W. Shaum

EMMITSBURG, MD The Rev. Dr. David W. Shaum, 90, died on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at the Gettysburg Hospital. Born October 21, 1920, in Taneytown, Md., he was the son of the late Francis E. and Helen Elizabeth (Wisotzkey) Shaum. Father Shaum graduated from Taneytown High School in 1938 and from Mount St. Mary's College in May, 1942. Immediately thereafter, he entered the Mount St. Mary's Seminary and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, on June 29, 1946, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the BVM. Father Shaum received a Master of Art Degree in Education from Loyola College, Baltimore, in June 1954, a Master of Arts Degree in Music from the Catholic University of America in June 1956, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the Catholic University of America in June 1961. He also completed Post-Doctoral study at Northwestern University, Eastman School of Music, and Indiana University. His assignments in the Archdiocese included St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Associate, 1946-50; St. Martin, Associate, 1950-52; St. John, Westminster, Associate, 1952-55; and Mount St. Mary's Seminary and University, Faculty, 1955-95. Rev. Dr. Shaum retired from a distinguished career at Mount St. Mary's spanning four decades serving as Secretary of the College Council, Treasurer of the College, Academic Dean, Chairman of the Fine Arts Department, and Chairman of the Education Department. The musical traditions he created during his tenure at the Mount as Director of the Glee Club and College Choir were reknown throughout the region. He leaves a rich legacy in the hearts and minds of the Mount community of Christmas Candlelight Concerts, delightful spring concerts, and all the other festive events, not to mention the annual tours to all corners of the Western World. Father Shaum's College singers sang at a Papal Audience in St. Peter's Basilica before Pope John Paul II and a crowd of six thousand in 1990. He was described as a "model gentleman priest." President Thomas H. Powell of the Mount said, "We have lost a giant of Mount St. Mary's." Having just past his 65th anniversary as a priest, Fr. Shaum was the 2007 recipient of the Archdiocesan Medal of Honor for his many years of service to the church and the community. He was nominated in 2010 for the title of Monsignor and in 2011 as Outstanding Parish Holy Name Spiritual Director. Following his retirement, he continued as one of the busiest retired priests, as well as the oldest priest in the Archdiocese, filling in throughout the year to celebrate mass at his home and native parish of St. Joseph in Taneytown, Libertytown, Hagerstown, Thurmont, and Emmitsburg parishes. Additionally, he served as Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus Council of St. Anthony Shrine, Emmitsburg, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Thurmont. Father's favorite antiphon: "We do well to sing to Your name, Most High, and proclaim your mercy at daybreak." Surviving are brother, Joseph B. Shaum and wife, Betty of Westminster, Md.; niece, Helen Rebecca Rugemer and husband, Max of Oakton, Va.; nephew, Michael B. Shaum and wife, Lori of North Carolina; and great-niece, Melissa Shaum. Also surviving are a host of former students and friends. He was predeceased by a sister, Mary Donatelli, and brother, Frank Shaum. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Mount St. Mary's University, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, with His Excellency, Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien, as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Taneytown. Friends may call at a viewing on Tuesday, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the St. Bernard Chapel at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, where Rosary prayers will begin at 7 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Father Shaum to "Mount St. Mary's University" for either the Chorale or Needy Seminarian Fund c/o: Mount St. Mary's University, Office of Advancement, 16300 Old Emmitsburg Road, Emmitsburg, MD 21727. Arrangements are by the Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home in Taneytown, Md. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myersdurborawfh.com