David M. Shaw, 67, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2022, after a prolonged illness surrounded by family and close friends. Born October 19, 1954, in New York City, NY to Hugh Shaw and Gertrude Willimann, he grew up in New York, Connecticut and spent every summer on the coast of Maine in Yarmouth sailing, exploring the rocky shores and enjoying family gatherings.
As a child, he attended the Hoosac School and Hackley School in New York. He attended college at Eisenhower College in NY and later transferred to Hartwick College in NY where he graduated. David also spent some time at the Royal Academy in London, England.
David was a true artist, entrepreneur, philosopher, intellect and storyteller. His brilliance and perspective would captivate any audience, big or small, that would listen to his words and wisdom. He was thought-provoking, up for a challenging debate and nurtured spirituality and Catholicism.
David taught at North Yarmouth Academy in Yarmouth, Maine and later moved to Kansas, where he taught at St. Mary’s Academy for years, enriching the lives of students on art, history and religion. After his time in Kansas, he moved to Omaha, NE in 1988, where he and his business partners owned a profound Antiques and Fine Art business and resided and called home for the remainder of his life.
He was a staple in the Omaha community, a creative spirit, fearless and free of judgment. He would encourage us all to think differently, question, and communicate with unique intelligence that he would share with anyone that would listen.
He was predeceased by his mother, Gertrude Willimann Chandler, his aunt Marie-Louise “Mimi” Willimann and his uncle Francis J. “Franzi” Willimann.
He is survived by his father, Hugh Shaw, brothers Richard and Christopher Shaw, of Yarmouth, ME and half-brother Matthew Shaw of Nantucket, MA. His step-sister Debbie Thomas of Trumbull, CT and step-brother Richard Chandler of Inverness, FL. His four nieces, Kathleen Shaw, Meredith Shaw, Melanie Klein and Carlene Shaw and three nephews Brian, Douglas and Austin Shaw. His cousins Angela Widmer, Helene Michalski, Stefan Willimann and Bernard Willimann. His step nieces Suzanne Davison, Elizabeth Schumacher, Kathleen Rinaldi and Shannon Castonguay and step nephews Kent Thomas Jr., Richard Chandler Jr. Rob and Chad Chandler. As well as many incredible friends in the Omaha community that are all considered family.
David’s family would like to extend love and a deep appreciation to Eric Labs who was a wonderful friend and took great care of David for the last years of his life. You are a true gentleman.
A Catholic Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at 1 pm in the afternoon.
Donations in David’s name can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org or St. Mary’s Academy at www.smac.edu. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=8Z6YMG6GPG4N4&source=url
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