Robert M. Shaw, 86 A Marine and a Retired Lt. in the Boston Fire Department entered heaven on August 25th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at home.
He is survived by his wife Barbara A. Shaw of Raynham and Osterville and the late Patricia A. Shaw. Also survived by his children Susan Flynn of Boston, Maureen and her husband Richard of East Taunton, Karen Freitas (Robert) of North Dighton, Dianne White and her husband Michael of Taunton. Brian Shaw and his wife Melanie of Raynham, He is predeceased by his son Robert Michael Shaw. He was the son of the late Robert F. and Maye L. Shaw of Boston. He is also survived by his brother Richard A. Shaw of West Roxbury and sister Penny Nichols and her husband Charlie of Missouri. A brother in law Joseph Thibodeau and his wife Pamela of Walpole, David B. Thibodeau of Stoughton, and John Kemmett of Imperial, CA. and the late Barry Thibodeau. .Nine grandchildren, Nicole and her husband Daniel, Ryan, Amanda (Sean), Taylor (Sarah) Alec and his wife Gabby, Zachary, Kyle, Jessica and Erin. Three great grandchildren, Quincy, Zadie Bea and Kennedy Jeanne. He is also survived by a wonderful and caring friend Beth Turrell and many special nieces and nephews. He was an active member of the Boston Fire Department from September 9, 1964 to April 30, 1999 serving his 1st year on Engine 5 in East Boston then transferring to Ladder 7 at Meeting House Hill in Dorchester. Most of his fire duty was during the unrest in the city and his fire company was the busiest in the country for one year. He was awarded the Fire Department's Walter Scott Medal for Valor for extreme personal risk required to rescue a child from a third floor bedroom on January 14, 1968 by crawling through the apartment through intense heat and fire and after repeated attempts he succeeded despite the intolerable conditions. After leaving Ladder 7 he was transferred to the Fire Prevention Division, Arson squad where he received Police and Sheriff's powers to apprehend Arsonists in the Commonwealth. He received a Distinguished Service Award for dedication to duty along with another inspector which resulted in the apprehension of three arsonists responsible for many fires most of which were multiple alarm blazes that endangered firefighters, citizens and in some cases threatened the entire neighborhood and because of their diligence eliminated threats to the community. He also received Commendations on February 28, 1985 and May 28, 1986. He was an avid fisherman at Dowses Beach after his retirement. He also enjoyed golf and trips to Aruba. He enjoyed time with his family and was always the life of the party. He was a member of the Disabled Veterans, VFW in Raynham, His lifetime dedication to the citizens of the community will always be remembered. His loving family will always miss him. Funeral from the O’Keefe-Wade Funeral Home 70 Washington Street in Taunton on Friday, September 1st at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Ann’s Church in Raynham at 10AM. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 PM. Interment National Cemetery in Bourne MA at 12:30 PM.