Father Charles E. Shaw passed away on Friday, November 18th, in Phoenix, AZ. His life’s journey was a remarkable one and he left a lasting impression on all whose lives he touched. He died, as he lived, at peace with God and himself. Fr. Shaw was born in Bridgeport, CT on July 16, 1926, to the late Ernest and Helen Grogan Shaw. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Kay Shaw Naylor and Sallye Shaw Devitt. He is survived by his dear nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, cousins, and his many friends who will miss him very much. Fr. Shaw attended Fairfield College Preparatory School in Fairfield, CT where he developed his interest in the priesthood. He entered St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, CT in 1944 and continued his theological studies at St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He was ordained on May 3, 1951 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, CT by Bishop Henry J. O’Brien. His first assignment was St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Naugatuck, CT and he was quickly tapped to serve as the principal of the parish elementary school. His passion for learning and his ability to bring out the best in the young students in his charge revealed him to be a born educator. His assignments included service as principal of the Immaculate Conception Parish Elementary School in Hartford and as assistant to the superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford. In 1961, he was chosen to serve as the founding principal of East Catholic High School, and served there until 1970 when he left for health reasons. Dedicated to making each student feel special, he spent summers committing the pictures and names of each incoming class to memory so that he could warmly greet each student by name when they arrived. His journey also led him to serve as a counselor at St. Joseph College in West Hartford, CT; within months of arriving he was selected to be the college’s academic dean. In 1977, following recovery from a health challenge, Fr. Shaw was appointed director of guidance counseling at the former St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, CT. He served there until 1988 when he retired. Not only a passionate educator, Fr. Shaw led by example through his own personal commitment to learning. In the fall of 1959, he entered Fairfield University to study for a master’s degree in administration. He achieved a second master’s degree in Counseling in 1970 from Central Connecticut State University and then, in 1975, earned his doctoral degree in administration and political science with high honors from the University of Connecticut. His dedication to his students and the communities he served was acknowledged in awards too numerous to name. Among his many achievements was his appointment to the Connecticut State Board of Higher Education. At the suggestion of his doctors, he relocated to Arizona in 1994. He was a parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church since moving to Phoenix.
Father Shaw’s Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at 10:30 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church at 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ryan House, Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ.
Cheryl St.Cyr-Bellisle
Rest in the arms of angels, Father. I shall keep you in my memory always. I will never forget the lyrics you seemed to hum or sing every time you met me in the halls at East – “All the monkeys aren’t in the zoo”. During the tough times in my high school years, your counseling grounded me. You are missed.
Cheryl
Anne Morse
I was a student at East Catholic High the first year it opened. Father Shaw was beloved by all. He had a very sincere desire to understand and help each and every student in the school. He was the heart and soul of East Catholic.
Tom Moriarty, Jr.
We at East Catholic were so lucky to have Father Shaw as our founding principal. He gave so much to all of us. I will be forever thankful for having known him. Rest in peace Father.
Joseph Marinello
Father Shaw was very close with my parents Joseph and Angeline Marinello and myself when he was at St Francis in Naugatuck. We kept in touch throughout the years and when my mom died he sent me a beautiful note…..now I’m the only one left of the 4 of us.
Bob Coroso
Fr Shaw was one of the most pleasant men I have ever met. Nobody at East Catholic has forgotten the man. He will truly be missed. BobC class of ’70 ECHS.
Michael S. Swetzes
I send my condolences to the family and friends of Father Shaw. Please be comforted in knowing that his spirit lives on in those of us who attended East Catholic High School in Manchester, CT, in the nine years that he was principal there.
Father told each incoming Freshman class, “East is best, but only if you make it so.” But really, we were best because of the leadership and guidance he provided.
Michael S. Swetzes
ECHS Class of 1969
Frank Kinel
This man did so much for me and left such an impression that it stayed with me now for over 40 years. When I think of men that inspired me it was my Dad and Father Shaw. I am sure he is now be warmly received by the Lord.
greg pelletier
I met Father Shaw as a college student. I had never and have yet to meet a man who was so intelligent and wise yet so humble and loving. He truly is a Saint. I started to serve Mass for him. He helped me choose classes and supported me as an 18 year old college student. Since my parents divorced when I was 5 and my father left me, I felt an incredible bond with Father Shaw and I grew to admire and trust him deeply. He transformed my self image and brought the best out of me. I missed him terrribly when he retired. He has always been deeply in my heart and I will now speak to him since he is now in heaven and can pray for me.
Ann & Robert Hildreth
To Father Shaw’s Family, We were so sorry to learn Sunday at Mass about Father Shaw . We have fond memories of his time with us in Naugatuck, CT. Actually he married us 55 years ago and we always remembered him as a wonderful priest and great with the students at the school. Sincerely, Ann & Robert Hildreth
John&Helena Alegi
We were very sad to hear of Father Shaw passing away.Father
Shaw married us in 10/22/1955 at St. Francis of Assisi Church
in Naugatuck,Ct.
I was in touch with Father in July and at his request I was going to
sned him pictures of my family and of him on our wedding day,
so you can see we thought the world of Father. I know he surely will be missed, they don’t come any better and I kinow he turned 85 in
July. May God take great care of our beloved Father Shaw
John& Helena Alegi
141 Anna Ave
Waterbury,CT06708