David Donald Frank Shaw

David Shaw, 61, died surrounded by his family on August 12, 2024, after an 8-year battle with Multiple Myeloma for which he had finally achieved remission.
Dave was a lifelong resident of Mountain Lakes, NJ and returned to his hometown to raise his family. He graduated from Mountain Lakes High School in 1981. One of his proudest achievements of that that time was being named the Junior Fire Chief of The Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. Under his guidance, their equipment rig presentation earned the largest trophy. He made numerous contributions to the youth of the community, including chaperoning Boy Scout high adventure expeditions, volunteer coaching for MLBT hockey and girls' lacrosse, and serving as a board member of the MLHS hockey program. Throughout his life, Dave was a dedicated fan of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, and the Grateful Dead. Dave went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Computer Science from Norwich University in 1986. He met his wife, Susan (Barnes), while she was completing her nursing degree at Vermont College, which is the sister school of Norwich University (class of 1984). They went on to be married in 1990.
Dave was a friend to everyone. He was constantly doing things for his family and friends, but in a quiet sort of way. He was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back, and if you needed a hand, he would show up with tools. He had a solution to every problem and a fix for every issue. He was MacGyver before MacGyver - but if he had to, he would "ranch" it.
Many people recognize Dave as the man behind the counter who always has the answer to everything. The Train Station was founded by his father in 1974, and Dave was frequently spotted working there as a young boy. He eventually became the owner and president, a position he held for the past 38 years. Dave was renowned for his passion, knowledge, and unwavering commitment to supporting both customers and the model train industry as a whole. He took great pride in leading a small family business.
Dave was a family man. He was a devoted father to his four children, of whom he was immensely proud. He warmly welcomed and cherished their chosen partners with open arms. He adored his wife, Sue, more than anything in the world, and she lovingly cared for him throughout the last 8 years of his cancer treatment.
A role he will be most fondly remembered for is his role as "Pop" to his grandchildren. He was magic to them - the kind of grandfather who always had small toys or treats in his pocket. Even on days when his treatment stole his energy, he would be on the floor building layouts just so he could watch their eyes light up.
Dave is survived by Susan (Barnes) Shaw, his dedicated wife of 34 years. Together they raised four incredible humans, Daniel (Emily) Shaw of Long Valley, NJ; Timothy (Devin) Shaw of Randolph, NJ; Jennifer (Tyler) Doyle of Sparta, NJ and Katherine Shaw (fiancé Robert Robinson) of Rockaway, NJ. He is also survived by his three precious grandchildren Baylor, Blake, and Hunter. He was predeceased by his mother Barbara A. Shaw. He is also survived by his father, Donald N. Shaw of Denville, NJ and his three siblings, Melissa Shaw of Flagstaff, AZ; Peter (Jan) Shaw of Jericho, VT; and Adele Shaw (Larry Dieterich) of Davis, CA.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Multiple Myeloma division at John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center. Additionally, they would like to thank the brilliant minds that attempted valiantly to save him at Morristown Medical Intensive Care Unit as well as the ongoing healthcare he received at Mountain Lakes Medical Center. In addition, the Shaw family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to their "squad" that has stood by and supported them through this near decade long battle.
Family and Friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday, August 17, 2024, from 4-7 P.M. at the Par-Troy Funeral Home, 95 Parsippany Road, Parsippany. (973) 887-3235 or visit www.partroyfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
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