Ronald R. Shaw, Sr. was born on October 9, 1942, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. He went to be with the LORD on Sunday, December 19, 2021.
Ron was a life-long resident of Akron, graduating from Buchtel High School in 1961. He was employed by the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, General Motors, and Pepsi Beverages Company.
He was a devoted member of St. Sebastian Church for 47 years, serving as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He coached little league baseball, youth football, and sixth grade basketball, having the opportunity to guide and mentor many young men in the community. He served as a volunteer at Lock 3 and at the Akron Civic Theater. When not volunteering, Pops, the gentle giant, often could be found caring for God’s precious creatures. He had special feeders for the birds; he tended to his garden of beautiful flowers and greenery; he maintained two fish tanks; and he fed the stray cats and kittens that frequently visited his front porch. A dedicated Cleveland Browns fan, he stuck with his favorite team through thick and thin and could be seen wearing his Browns paraphernalia through his team’s highs and many lows.
He was a loving husband of 45 years to his high school sweetheart and eternal love, Donna. The love that they shared and the way that they cared for and supported each other provide an example for all of us to follow.
A devoted and watchful father to his twin sons, Thomas and Ronald, he served as an example to them of what a man can and should be. The way that he treated his wife, his sons, his family, his friends, and anyone that he encountered was the model of a humble servant of Christ. Ron was a beloved son, husband, father, cousin, nephew, uncle, co-worker, friend, neighbor, and coach who gave of himself to others tirelessly. He touched the lives of many people and left an indelible impression on all who knew him. He always had a smile and a friendly word for everyone, and left people feeling better than they were when he found them.
All of Ron’s amazing qualities were amplified and magnified when he became a grandfather. One of his most cherished roles was that of “Pop Pop” to Veronica and Ashley. For him, it was a chance to revisit the days of parenting young children. Only this time, he was more lenient. Much more lenient. He spoiled them rotten. They brought such joy to his life, and he brought such joy to theirs. They always put a smile on his face. For us, his sons, it was a chance to go back in time and see our father as he was raising us – although we watched in amazement as he allowed his granddaughters to eat snacks and drink grape juice in the forbidden carpeted living room (GASP!); as he bought them McDonald’s cheeseburgers without the hamburger patty; and as he peeled grapes for them to eat because they didn’t like the skin. He always was a pushover whenever it came to Veronica and Ashley. He will be missed dearly.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna; his father, Thomas Shaw; and his granddaughter, Victoria.

Cherishing his love and memory are his beloved mother, Lorraine Shaw; his sons, Thomas Shaw and Ronald (Stacy) Shaw, Jr.; his sister-in-law, Deborah (Steven) Sills; his brother-in-law, John (LuAnn) White; his stepbrother, Melvin Shaw; his nieces, Dynnisha White and Nyeeda Moore; his nephews, John White and William White; his granddaughters, Veronica and Ashley Shaw; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.