Russell Shaw Jr., 79, St Petersburg, FL, passed peacefully 12/02/2013.
Funeral Mass to be held 12/14/13 at Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Petersburg.
Predeceased by his parents, Russell and Gertrude Shaw, and sister Sonna Delhaye.
Russ was a Chartered Life Underwriter and Financial Planning Advisor with Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance/Mass Mutual Financial Services from the mid 1960s. He was active in the community as a member of the St Petersburg Junior Chamber of Commerce, St. Petersburg Gateway Rotary Club and the Suncoast chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters, as well as a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table and a Eucharistic Lay minister at Holy Family Parish. Between 1992 and 1996 Russ walked the 2,166 mile Appalachian Trail, with a total walk time of approximately 4-1/2 months. Some of his walk served as a fundraiser to aid handicapped and disabled sailors, all the while collecting over 5000 hugs. In 1997 Russ walked the 440-mile “Walk of St James” in Spain. He is survived by his sister, Darla Payne, two daughters, Betsy (Bob) Freeman and Lauree (Doug) McKay, two grandchildren, Daniel (Lisa) Currier and Lea Freeman, and a much beloved great-grandson, Stanley Joseph Currier, along with three nephews and two nieces, their spouses and children. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to fund ALS research.
Interment was December 7, 2013 at St Peter and Paul Cemetery, Westville, Illinois; Sunset Chapel, Danville, IL.
Veterans Funeral Care
727-524-9202
My sister and I would like to thank Veteran’s Funeral Care for their professional services during this difficult time. Chief was so helpful with making the arrangements and followup afterwards.
It was always a pleasure seeing Mr. Shaw’s wonderful smile at the holiday gatherings. My condolences to the family of Mr. Russ Shaw for the loss of this wonderful gentleman. You all are in my prayers.
Russell was a long time friend of the Dudinsky family,so sorry for the loss of your loved one.
I just wanted to say that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sadness. My Father, Jim Baggs and Russell were good friends going back to the 1960’s. My wife, my father, (who has Dementia) and I all went to visit him after his leg surgery. The two of them talked for an hour about their friendship and some of their escapades over the decades. They laughed and carried on as though they were young men! They parted knowing that they probably wouldn’t see each other again in this life. But for that hour….. It was as if time stood still. Your Father, Grandfather, and Uncle will be missed by many!
It will be a little lonelier knowing he s gone,even though i havn t seen him in years.
Rest In Peace Russ, we mourn your loss. Condolences to the family.
I will remember Russ for his love of life and helping others. He had a big heart. Sincere condolences and may God grant you comfort in your memories.
Good bye old friend, GOD has you now.
A true gentleman – Russ was always a true gentleman. I met him several years ago through my employment at Mastry Engine Center. He treated me as though I was his most important client and always helped with my silly investment questions. Godspeed Russ! You will be sorely missed!Doug