Brian Wade Shaw

Brian W. Shaw, 70, peacefully passed away in his sleep on Wednesday, October 14, at his home in Willoughby. He was born October 13, 1950, in Smoke Run (Clearfield Twp.), Pennsylvania, to Carmen (Raab) and Donivan Graffius. Carmen later remarried Harvey Shaw of East Cleveland, Ohio, who raised him as his son. Brian graduated from Shaw High School in 1968, then worked as an Apprentice Draftsman at Warner & Swasey while attending Cuyahoga Community College. In 1970, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force attaining the rank of Senior Staff Sargeant, working as a Crew Chief on Boeing B-52 bombers at K.I. Sawyer Strategic Air Command Base (decommissioned) in Michigan during the Vietnam conflict. While in the service, he married his wife of 50 years, Marie (nee Lanese) on October 30, 1970, and together they had two children. Upon returning to Cleveland, Ohio, he worked for twenty years as a Delivery Driver for Hough Bakery. After the closing of Hough Bakery, he had the opportunity to shift careers and worked in sales for metal converting companies: All Foils, Comet Metals and Vortex Metals, the latter of which he co-founded.

In his youth Brian was involved in the Boy Scouts of America, Greater Cleveland Council, East Cleveland Pack 336. When his son, Jeff, showed an interest, Brian was eager to serve as Scoutmaster of Northeast Ohio Council Troop 306 (1986-1989). He also coached Mentor Girls Softball and assisted with Mentor Boys Baseball and Football when his children played. Brian enjoyed many interests and hobbies, among which were model railroading, hunting, fishing, archery and other firearms sports, for which he received recognition.

Throughout his years, especially through the Air Force, Scouting and Church, Brian built many long-lasting friendships. He was never happier than being in the company of his family and friends. His favorite pastimes were cruises and relaxing beach vacations, visiting breweries, distilleries and wineries and in recent years spending time on his own deck drinking his morning coffee and watching his plants grow. He will be remembered for his strange sense of humor and weird “dad” jokes.

Brian is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter, Jennifer Kropf (Tom) of Aurora and son, Jeff Shaw (Erin) of Austin, Texas; granddaughters Alyssa and Sarah Kropf, of whom he was very proud; siblings, Diana Hoageson (Curt) of Ocala, Florida, and Tom (Michelle) Shaw of Lorain; his mother-in-law, Doris Lanese, whom he cared for many years; as well as several nieces and nephews. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Carmen (Raab) Shaw Kubicki and Harvey Shaw; stepbrother, Ronald Shaw; and stepsister Linda Henkel Fitzgibbons.

The family will receive friends on Friday, November 6 from 10 AM until the funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Thomas Johns at 11 AM at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, Ohio 44060, with interment following at Whitehaven Cemetery in Mayfield Village. Due to Covid 19 concerns the service will conclude at the cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hope For The Warriors, 8003 Forbes Place Suite 201, Springfield, VA, 22151 or online at https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/about/make-a-donation/ or to any charity of your choice.

Obituary and guest book at www.diciccoandsonsfh.com.