John M Shaw

John M. Shaw Warwick - John M. Shaw, 67,  beloved husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa died Sunday, May 25, 2014 at the Athol Hospital after being suddenly stricken ill at his home.      John was the son of the late Walter & Anna (Slaght) Shaw of Warwick. He was born on February 23, 1947 in Greenfield, MA. He attended school in Warwick and at an early age he began his career in the logging industry. He worked many years in all aspects of the trade until retiring due to health reasons. For more than 20 years he has felt fortunate to be the caretaker of his family’s farm. He is the third generation to carry on the tradition started by his grandfather over 100 years ago. Although limited by the effects of rheumatoid arthritis, John was rarely idle and could usually be found working about the yard or in his workshop.      John also enjoyed attending car and antique engine shows, collecting antique tools and other items and loved to share this with others. He always made time to help others, whatever the need. His true passion however was his family, especially his grandchildren.      He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Judith (Chamberlain) Shaw; five children, Robert Shaw and his wife Kelly of Leominster, Sandra Braga and her husband Ed of Newton, Tammi Cromwell and her husband Kevin of Athol, Laura Shaw and her boyfriend Chris of Warwick, and Kathryn Shaw and her boyfriend C.J. of Worcester; nine grandchildren, Kristin, Michael, Keith, Kristopher, Kathryn, Joshua, Jared, Jordan and Jamison, and one great grandson, Jackson. He is also leaves his brothers, Benjamin Shaw of Warwick and James Shaw of Hartford, CT and sisters, Carolyn Shaw-Dushaney of North Adams, Sue Smith of Springfield, and Emily Pecoy of VT, as well as many nieces & nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Shaw III.      Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main St., Athol.  A family graveside service will be at West Orange Cemetery at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in John’s name be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA  01701-4688 or the Arthritis Foundation, 29 Crafts St., Suite 450, Newton, MA  02458-1287.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });