Feb 9, 2025

May 10, 1948 –

January 31, 2025

formerly of New Salem

Robert “Bob” Joseph Shaw, 76, formerly of New Salem, passed away and entered God’s Kingdom Friday, January 31, 2025, in his home in Fort Mill, S.C., with his loving family at his side.

Born on May 10, 1948, to the late Joseph and Violet Drazga Shaw, Bob graduated from Redstone High School (Class of ’66) and attended Hiram Scott University in Nebraska.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years as a jet engine mechanic and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. He was an active member of the VFW, American Legion, AMVETS and served as a DAV ACT for America leader. He remained close to his “service buddies” his whole life.

While in high school, Bob would meet the love of his life and future wife, Marlene Cole. In 1970 they wed at Holy Rosary Church in Republic, and were blessed with two sons, Robert “Rabs” and Brian.

Throughout his life he lived in Penncraft, Chagrin Falls, Ohio and New Salem, before settling in Fort Mill.

Along the way Bob made many, many friends. Some were lifelong friends from his time in school or the service. Others were from work, whether they be from his time in the coal mine, in sales, or from his career as a licensed financial planner. Yet countless more came from casual encounters, the pool or the golf course. He made friends everywhere he went.

He, quite uniquely, befriended many members of the medical teams that tended to him over the years. He (and his family) desired to express their gratitude to all of these kind and compassionate people for the care they provided. This list includes people from his amazing transplant team from 26 years ago and extends all the way until his final days in Atrium Health Pineville and in his home with the VA, Senior Helpers, and VIA Hospice & Palliative Care teams. The compassion shown during this time additionally includes all the people of faith who tended to his soul. Sharing of “faith in God” and a mutual love of his Lord truly nurtured his soul and was a vital part of his journey. Thank you all.

He spoke to his family and as many friends as he could to say goodbye in his final days. People expressed their love and recalled old stories. “I love you because you made me happy. You made me laugh” or a similar sentiment was a common reply from those he was fortunate enough to talk to. Bob loved socializing and making people laugh. He will be remembered as a happy and loving man who brought joy to those around him.

No one was more touched by his joy and energy than his family. He adored them and he will be greatly missed by his wife, Marlene; sons, “Rabs” (Suzanne), and Brian (Maribel); his cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Ben, Jacob, Nico and Megan (Ben); great-granddaughter, Lily; sister, Janet Shaw Myers (Rob); sisters-in- law, Faye Shaw, Janice Wright, Diane Cole; and brother-in-law, Jack Cole (Melody); loving nieces and nephews; as well as his many cousins.

This lifetime of love and laughter shared with his friends and family left an imprint on all and is his greatest lasting legacy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Patricia; a brother, John; a stepsister, Linda Radovich; father- and mother-in-law, Bob and Pearl Cole; and a brother-in-law, Bobby Cole. Rest assured that upon entering heaven he was greeted with open arms by his mom. She will be so proud of the man that he became. Brother John will undoubtedly already have a tee time set up for him and his friends. May he find eternal peace and love there and as was his wish may we nurture our relationship with God during our remaining days so we may one day meet again.

Here on earth may we always cherish our memories of him and strive to live a life of love and laughter, which he so uniquely embodied.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at a later date yet to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Pennsylvania.