Frank Shaw

Frank Shaw of Branford, CT passed away peacefully on September 21 surrounded by his family after complications of a heart attack. He was a husband, father, friend, teacher, musician, engineer, mentor and many other things. Frank is most well-known for his tremendous musical talents as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist with a clear tenor voice. His musical journey took him from solo guitar gigs in coffee houses as a teenager to becoming the bass player in college bands (The Jury, Boss Tweed, The Eccentrics) to the band he quit graduate school for (Clean Living), Professors of Bluegrass and finally to the band where he played banjo with his wife Barbara for 25 years (ShoreGrass). In later years he also shared his banjo expertise as a teacher. He loved his country, his community, his family, his friends, his First Congregational Church (where he served on every committee as well as moderator), his precious Red Sox, NASCAR, traveling the country in the family motorhome, tinkering with his Ford Ranger, picking bluegrass all night with camping friends and feeding his hummingbirds. He has been a Big Brother, scout leader, Little League coach, school reading volunteer and Sunday school teacher. Frank was born in Worcester, MA, the son of Lincoln Goodwin Shaw and Paula Schadt Shaw, on December 15, 1947. He attended Worcester Academy and the University of Massachusetts, earning a bachelor in business. After moving to Connecticut in 1979, he attended the University of New Haven and earned a second bachelor degree in mechanical engineering. Frank retired from PMT Group as a manufacturing engineer. Frank is survived by Barbara, his wife of 45 years, sons George of Los Angeles, CA and Jonathan of Hopewell, New Jersey, daughters July of Temecula, CA and Karen of Holyoke, MA. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Lincoln, Jr. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 11 at the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main St beginning at 11 am followed by refreshments and music by his numerous musician friends in the church hall. Those who wish to honor his legacy can make a donation to the Shaw Family Fund for the Arts at the Branford Community Foundation, PO Box 462, Branford, CT 06405 or you can click here to donate.