Rev. Dr. Richard Shaw

Rev. Dr. Richard L. Shaw, 93, of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, entered into the presence of his Lord on March 4, 2026, in Neptune, New Jersey.

Born in 1932 in Harmonsburg, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, Richard was the cherished son of Leo and Margaret Shaw and one of four siblings. From a young age, his life reflected a deep calling to serve God. At just 20 years old, he began formal ministry training at Practical Bible Training School in Pennsylvania, where God not only shaped his calling but also introduced him to the great love of his life, Nancy. The two married soon after and were blessed with 67 beautiful years of marriage, grounded in faith, devotion, and love. Pastor began his church pastoring at Lyona Bible Church in Pennsylvania.

After living in New York State, Richard and Nancy made their home in New Jersey in 1965. He faithfully served as Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Atlantic Highlands for ten years before helping to establish Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County in 1975. There, Pastor Shaw shepherded his congregation for the next 51 years, pouring out his heart, wisdom, and unwavering faith into generations of believers.

Pastor Shaw earned his doctorate in philosophy and religion, along with other advanced degrees. He also shared his deep knowledge and passion for learning as a professor of Comparative Religion at Brookdale Community College. Well-versed in biblical Greek and Hebrew, his wisdom and dedication made him a beloved pastor, teacher, and mentor to generations of congregants.

Pastor Shaw devoted his entire life to serving the Lord by serving others. Through compassionate counseling, hospital and home visitations, community outreach, and steadfast leadership, he faithfully reflected Christs love. Pastor loved music, singing and clapping along with both hymns and contemporary Christian music. Above all else, his greatest joy was sharing the love of Jesus. He was an active member of the Area Association of Community Churches (AACC) and was honored to officiate countless weddings, baby dedications, water baptisms, and funerals-walking with families through both their greatest joys and deepest sorrows.

He was deeply loved and respected for his strong faith, gentle spirit, selflessness, kindness, and-endearingly-his love of chocolate. Pastor Shaw leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, service, and love that will continue to bear fruit in the many lives he touched.

Surviving are his two daughters, Rebecca (Larry) Sassmann and Linda Lee (Stephen) Karanja-Sebastian; son, Daniel R. (Connie Collins) Shaw; four grandchildren, Daniel Karanja, Jason Shaw, Sharon (Erin) McCay, and Sherman Sebastian; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Kyrsten, Skyler, Miles, Reed, Ada, and Teagan with his only great, great grandchild, Leon; nephews, John, James, Harold, Ron, Mike; nieces, Debbie, Diana, Cindy, Connie; sister in-laws, Carol and Betty.

Rev. Dr. Richard Shaw was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Shaw; sister, Betty Sullivan; brothers, Jack and Harold; parents, Leo and Margaret Shaw; niece, Kristi Welton; son in-law, Samwel Karanja; and his first grandson, Lee Karanja.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown.

The Funeral Service will be offered Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 12pm with a visitation at 11 am at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in memory of Rev. Dr. Richard Shaw (name in memo) to Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County 810 Hwy. 36 Leonardo, NJ 07737. Checks to be made out to the church - Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County.

A Memorial Service honoring Nancy and Pastor Richard Shaw will take place on June 6, 2026. This date holds special significance as it is within the week of their wedding anniversary. Following the service at Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County, their ashes will be buried together, celebrating their bond and shared life.

Arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.