December 27, 1940 – January 31, 2020
John Melvin DeShaw, age 79, of Bonita Springs, FL and Dennis, MA, passed away at Joanne’s House at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, FL on January 31st, 2020 with his loving wife of 55 years, Patricia (Arena) DeShaw, by his side.
John was born in Framingham, MA, where he was raised and educated. He was the son of the late Gordon E. and Sarah H. (Cotter) DeShaw. He attended St. Stevens through middle school followed by Framingham High School. From 1961-1964 he served in the US Army as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged in 1964.
In 1970, he started his long career with New England Telephone as a technician out of the Framingham office. Over time, he advanced into the financial management ranks. His management assignments took him all over the world - living in Iran, Hong Kong and Singapore – helping to build the global business for Verizon and developing life-long friendships with people around the globe. In 2002, he proudly retired as an Executive Director of Verizon International after a 32-year career across the Bell System.
John was an avid golfer and enjoyed countless rounds with friends and family at Dennis Highlands, Dennis Pines and Shadow Wood Country Club in Bonita Spring, FL. John was also an avid wine collector and loved nothing more than sharing bottles with friends and family.
John was predeceased by his beloved son Johnny at age 18. John’s life revolved around Johnny. He nurtured and supported him as he grew into a talented student, athlete, musician and person. John continued to honor Johnny’s legacy by establishing a scholarship fund in his name at Bryant University.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is survived by his beloved sisters-in-law Mary (Main) DeShaw of Naples, FL and Dennis, MA, Elizabeth Cary Deshaw of Fairhope, AL and Grace Carlin of Pittsburg, NH; many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces; and his son Steven DeShaw and his wife Mary DeShaw of Nashua, NH and their children Sarah and Alex. John was predeceased by his siblings George, Robert, David, Gordon and Mary DeShaw.
Arrangements: Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at Doane Beal & Ames, 729 Rt 134 South Dennis, MA on Monday February 10th from 8:30 -10:00 AM followed by a funeral mass at Our Lady of the Cape, 468 Stony Brook Rd Brewster, MA at 10:30 AM. Internment at the Bourne National Cemetery will follow at 2:30 PM for those who wish to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made to the John M. DeShaw Jr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund at Bryant University. Visit www.bryant.edu/givenow or mail donation to Bryant University, P.O Box 40, 1150 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI 02917; or alternatively to the Alzheimer’s Association @ http://act.alz.org/
