By the family

Apr. 8, 2020: Robert H Shaw Sr., a resident of Bronxville New York for over 50 years, passed away from Renal failure in the early hours of Mar. 24, 2020. He was 92. 

After a successful career on Wall Street that spanned some 40 years, most notably as Senior Partner in the Specialist Firm of “Shaw and Adrian,” Bob retired in 1989. For the next 30 years, he and his wife Anne Leath Shaw, who passed away in 2016, divided their time between Bronxville, NY, and the warm weather of Stuart, FL. 

Bob was born on Nov. 16, 1927, to Alexander Fraser Shaw and Janet Hill Shaw. The family, which included his brother Alexander “Sandy” Shaw, resided in Providence, RI. As a young boy, Bob was given the opportunity to attend Camp Dudley in Westport, NY, which is still the oldest running Boys Camp in the United States. He began as camper #5932 in 1939. During the war years of 1942-43, he would attain the honor as one of the youngest leaders in the camps history while the older boys were off serving our country during the early stages of the Second World War.

Bob was a graduate of both Deerfield Academy and Princeton University. When he was old enough, Bob enlisted in the United States Armed forces. He served his country honorably in both the latter stages of World War II as a Communications Officer, and later in the Korean War as a Forward Observer, responsible for establishing coordinates for the large artillery battalions. Reaching the rank of Army Lieutenant, Bob received the Bronze Star, as the inscription states, “FOR HEROIC or MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT”. 

Throughout the years, Bob, along with his wife, Anne, were actively involved with Camp Dudley, Deerfield, and Princeton with attendance at many joyous reunions. Generous with his time and his heart, Bob looked for ways to help friends who were in need. He would rally former camp and/or classmates to come to the aid of those who had fallen on either difficult medical or financial circumstances. 

During the 1970’s and 80’s, one of Bob’s greatest pleasures was getting together with those who attended Camp Dudley through organizing the annual, “Dudley Baskets” outing. Every year a group of the old guard Camp friends assembled in New York City to attend a New York Knicks basketball game. A time honored and joyful tradition for all involved. 

Bob was also an avid Golfer and Bridge Player. He was an active member of Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, NY, and, over a thirty-year period, volunteered his time serving on various committees while also handling himself with distinction on the links. 

When Bob and wife Anne became Snow Birds, they picked right up with active involvement as members of the ’50s + community at Mariner Sands Country Club. Being an avid movie buff, Bob ran the “Movie Night” for fellow residents, devoted to the classics of the 1940’s and 50’s. He also volunteered his time and resources to the Club’s young South African working staff, taking them to various outings around the greater Stuart, Florida area. In 2013, he was honored by the Board and staff for his contributions to the Mariner Sands community. 

Bob, Dad, “Bob-Bob” (as he was known to his grandchildren), and “Rube” (as he was known to close friends), will be deeply missed. Those who knew him will never forget his big heart, sense of humor, kindness, love, and generosity. To quote a line from one of Bob’s favorite movies, Casablanca, starring the great Humphrey Bogart …“Here’s looking at you kid”… 

Bob is survived by his son, Robert H. Shaw Jr., his daughter, Randall Zabriskie; four grandchildren Emily Shaw-Hickman, Sarah F. Shaw, Charles L. Zabriskie, Haley Zabriskie-Ward and his great granddaughter, Adeline Zabriskie. A private family service will take place in the Late Spring at The Reformed Church of Bronxville, NY.