Joseph P. Shaw

Born in Woodside NY to the son of an Irish immigrant from Co Derry Ireland, that Irish enclave of Woodside NY in the mid 1900's led him to meet a more recent immigrant, Marie Neligan of Co. Kerry Ireland. From there, life took them and their two sons to Brooklyn NY, a move back to Ireland, and a move to New Jersey where they raised their family in Hazlet.

Joe enjoyed all things Ireland. The music, the culture. All of it. He could frequently be heard playing the tin whistle (poorly) or the spoons (somewhat poorly) while listening to Irish radio. An avid baseball fan, he was also generally frustrated by his beloved NY Mets.

Joe was employed by International paper and was involved in the paper industry for most of his career.

This epitaph could go on for quite a while. It could include many interesting insights into the life of Joe. The life of Joe, however is defined by the person he was, not by how he got here or what he did. While those achievements not insignificant, his life should be remembered for who he was. A man of deep faith, a kind, loving soul who treated everyone as if he had known them forever, and a man who welcomed everyone with a smile. He was full of love for his family, and would sacrifice everything he had for the benefit of that family. He was deeply in love for all of his 60 years with his wife Marie and is surely happy to be reunited with her.

Joe fought a valiant fight against a cancer diagnosis with determination that can only be described as inspiring. The strength of that fight will remain a lesson in life with us all as we continue without our dear father.

Joseph was predeceased by his loving wife of 60 years Marie (Neligan), and his brother John. He is survived by his sons, Tim and his wife Alicia and Brendan and his fiancée Megan; his nieces, Tracy Shaw, Pamela Maggio, and Tara Flotta; and his beloved grandchildren, Taylor Bennett, Tyler Bennett, and Joanna Shaw, who was the light of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at St. John's Catholic Church, 619 Chestnut St, Lakehurst, NJ 08733. Following the mass will be a committal service at St Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, 62 Cedar Grove Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753.