Donald Joseph Shaw Jr., 50, a great man known for his love of people and humor, died peacefully on Oct. 27, 2016, at his home.
Don was born in Chelsea, Mass., in 1965, the son of Mildred Arnold Shaw and the late Donald J. Shaw Sr. In 1999, he married the former Heather Mangan, of Bear Creek.
In addition to Heather, his wife, Don is survived by their children, Don and Dillon Shaw, both at home. He is also survived by his mother, Mildred Shaw; brothers, Daniel and his wife, Betsy Shaw, and Douglas Shaw; and a sister, Debra Dowless.
He graduated from Quakertown High School in 1983, and from Wilkes University in 1987 with a bachelor's in political science. He played on both soccer and baseball teams for Wilkes. He is a member of the Quakertown Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Wilkes University Sports Hall of Fame.
Don worked for Whiteman Tower for 24 years as V.P. of packaging, then Lindenmeyr Munroe as general manager of packaging for five years.
Don served as assistant coach for Wilkes University men's soccer for 12 years. He also served as coach for White Haven Baseball's T-ball, Little League and majors teams, and as assistant coach for Mountain Top American Legion Baseball team.
Don was a force of nature, hardworking and full of integrity. He loved people, his family and friends and having fun. He especially loved the Boston Red Sox and Patriot teams.
Celebration of Don's Life will begin with visitation 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McLaughlin's, 142 S. Washington St., Wilkes-Barre, and continue with a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Church of St. Jude, in Mountain Top.
Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to Hospice of the Sacred Heart, 600 Baltimore Drive, Wilkes-Barre, or St. Jude's Church Building Fund, 420 S. Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top.
Memories and condolences may be shared with Don's family at www.lifecelebrations.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Matt Fisher
November 2, 2016
I coached Little League with Don in White Haven for a few years and was privileged to get to know him and his family. We were always excited for the invite to the Memorial Day party, which always was a highly anticipated event! Don was a man of action who didn't just speak of getting things done, set a plan and accomplished his goals. You listen to a lot of people in life but I truly learned from Don. A state and a few years away from those Little League days, I still find myself recalling the good advice Don bestowed on me as I go through my days. Don was a role model to all those around him. When he would address the kids in the dugout, I was often transported back into being an 11 year old absorbing every word. More than anything, Don was a great husband and father as those who witnessed his interactions with Heather, Donny, and Dillon would surely attest. Our prayers are with Don's family at this difficult time. He will surely be missed.
November 1, 2016
My Deepest condolences I haven't seen Donald since we were all young When my Sister babysat the Donald Danny Doug and Debbie and I tagged along. Remember it is not Goodbye its cya later. Give my Parents a big Hug and Kiss for me in Heaven .
Dave Carswell (Valley East Little League)
November 1, 2016
It was a real pleasure and privilege getting to know Don through Little League. He was in it for all the right reasons, and the kids couldn't have asked for a better coach and role model. The world could use more Don Shaw's. He will be sorely missed.
October 31, 2016
Todd Daubert
October 31, 2016
I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was truly a good friend and will be missed by all who knew him. It will be hard to forget someone who gave us so much to remember.
Chuck Hanf
October 31, 2016
I'm glad I got the chance to tell you a few things over the past few months. I'm happy I told you I loved you and you told me you loved me too. The last thing we ever talked about was baseball, the game we both love so much. That was so fitting. I love you Donny.It was an honor being your "little cousin".. This hurts me pretty bad. Rest easy big fella.
A True Boston Fan
Terry Phelan
October 31, 2016
Dear Heather Donnie and Dillon I am so sorry for your loss. You husband and Father was truly a great friend of my family and I. He was a very special person and will be missed by us all.
Terry Phelan and Family
Freddie Williamson
October 31, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Shaw family during this time. Time will heal the hurt and turn the tears into smiles as you remember Don.
Matt & Dolores Ryan
October 30, 2016
We are so saddened to hear of Don's passing. Our sincere condolence to the Shaw family. He cared so much about everyone. He will be forever in our hearts.
Bob Ziadie
October 30, 2016
Still can't believe he is gone. We will all miss him terribly.
October 29, 2016
Dear Heather and family, so sad to heat this news. He will always hold a place in our hearts. No story about Wilkes is ever told without a Shaw story being attached!
You are in our thoughts and prayers
Mike Byrne
October 29, 2016
Don Shaw was a legendary man who left his mark on all of us lucky enough to have known him. His life was obviously too short but the mark he left on the world will continue long after his passing.
I am blessed to have callEd him my friend.
October 29, 2016
Don will be a great loss for humanity as he always gave his best, my memories of him and his family are great and will always have a place in my heart, my condolences to the family.
- Joe "smokin" Lannon (Brooklyn, NY)
Pete Joyce
October 29, 2016
We are very sorry to hear this sad news. Don was a great guy with a big heart. We are grateful we had the chance to become friends and share memories.
May the road rise to meet you my friend...
Pete and Mitzi Joyce
Pottsville, Pa
Connie
October 29, 2016
May the God of comfort be with you at this time
Carol Cyriax
October 29, 2016
Sorry to hear this sad news . Thoughts and prayers to your family . I knew Don from Wilkes. Great guy! Always wth a smile on his face !
Linda Huzar
October 29, 2016
So sad that such a great man, father, son, brother passed away so young. We are truly sorry for your family and especially our dear friend, Millie. Love Ray and Linda
Eric Price
October 29, 2016
Don was always the biggest, loudest guy in the room, but he was always the friendliest and most fun-loving too. Don was a great teammate and friend at Wilkes, and a strong competitor. Although we fell out of touch a few years after graduation, I will never forget what a great person he truly was.
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