Name: Beney Funeral Home
Address: Syosset, NY

So, to me Tom, God took you, much, much too early.  But why now?

You had over-came enormous adversity and experienced tremendous successes.  Perhaps, just maybe, God decided you had completed enough good.  And that your brilliance was not needed any longer on this earth, but you were needed in heaven.  So, God sent for you.  Your soul truly saved, too early for us, yet very deserving to you and God.

So, Tom you take your wings…and off you go, to do good with God, you be His Executive Administrator, cause I’ll bet God knows what to do with you, and you be His friend.  God and the universe will better for it.  I know I was.

I love you Tom!  Please watch out for us all.

Be good

jim

friend

Your charm and humor was contagious.  Here are some Tomisms (you stole some from Sienfeld) :

•	Iimmy Rye, Jimmy Rye heh, heh, heh
•	I can't believe we get paid to do this...
•	Well, real men could build a house
•	Back at cha’ slick
•	You be nice!!!
•	I’ll figure out something
•	you can stuff your sorries in a sack
•	if not me, than who?
•	Giddy up
•	So, you want to be my Executive Director?

I have never had a friend, nor will I ever again, have a friend like you, Tom.  Your friendship was truly one of the most important relationships I have ever had, it was like no other.  Over the years I received a few quotes from you that shone a light on the person you were:
 
Tom: i came across these quotes i thought you'd like them
 
never take the advice of someone who has not had your kind of trouble. --sidney harris

if you want a man to resolve on following your advice, speak to him kindly.--Jean Guibert

Tom: and my favorite

as to advice, be wary: if it is honest, it is also criticism -- david grayson

The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger--but recognize the opportunity. ― John F. Kennedy

And then you sent me this:
each and every one of us has one obligation, during the bewildered days of our pilgrimage here: the saving of his own soul, and secondarily and incidentally thereby affecting for the good such other souls as come under our influence.--Kathllen Norris
 
Tom:i like this one

So, to me Tom, God took you, much, much too early.  But why now?

You had over-came enormous adversity and experienced tremendous successes.  Perhaps, just maybe, God decided you had completed enough good.  And that your brilliance was not needed any longer on this earth, but you were needed in heaven.  So, God sent for you.  Your soul truly saved, too early for us, yet very deserving to you and God.

Dear Tom,

I talked to God this morning and I told him he took you way too early.  God said, “yep, in your mind I did”.

That’s right! way too early.  Tom, you and I had more to do in this life, together.  I always told you I wanted to go to law school, but didn’t, and I would live my lawyering dreams vicariously through you.  But that was not to be.

Over the years we accomplished so much together.  Tom, I met you nearly twenty years ago.   We had so much in common, you wrestled, I wrestled, you liked Seinfeld, I liked Seinfeld, I’m Catholic, you’re Catholic, you had been in trouble, I had been in trouble, despite your struggles you went to school, I had struggled and went to school, you didn’t understand the system you had found yourself in and I wanted to change that system, you wanted to fight injustice in the world and together we fought injustices in the world.  I selfishly wanted more…

In 2007 or 08, you called and then followed up with this email:

Jim, 
It was really good catching up with you the other day, sounds like you're doing great. I greatly appreciate the help paying for the prep course. I'll forward the bill for the course to you when I get it.
be good,
tom shaw

Then you wrote:
I'm looking for something to do this summer other than studying for the LSAT any ideas?
be good
tom shaw

I found you something to do that summer.  I asked you to work at The Empowerment Center.  You accepted.   I asked, “what do you want to do for The Empowerment Center?”  You said, “anything that would make it the best it could be.”  From that day forward we were side by side, in thick and thin.  I asked you what you wanted to be called and you said, “Executive Administrator.”  Neither of us had any idea what an Executive Administrator did.  So, we decided you would do whatever needed to be done.  In you, I saw a brilliance and determination unparalleled.

.  I remembered a few of your accomplishments while you were Executive Administrator:
•	managed the office schedule, 
•	supervised the office employees, 
•	collected our accounts receivable, 
•	made important outside contacts,  
•	organized fund raisers
•	organized an annual Triathlon fund raiser that you ran in
•	sat on nearly every important committee
•	headed the research and application process in forming a credit union
•	proofed and wrote a number of grants
•	you were instrumental in incubating and accelerating businesses
•	headed our development team
•	managed me and traveled around the state with me
•	self-started many other self-initiated responsibilities to make us better
•	graduated from College with a Bachelor’s Degree and,
•	graduated with a Master’s Degree
You were always by my side during important meetings, through key decisions, as an intelligent reflector of ideas and a supportive friend.  




Your charm and humor was contagious.  Here are some Tomisms (you stole some from Sienfeld) :

•	Iimmy Rye, Jimmy Rye heh, heh, heh
•	I can't believe we get paid to do this...
•	Well, real men could build a house
•	Back at cha’ slick
•	You be nice!!!
•	I’ll figure out something
•	you can stuff your sorries in a sack
•	if not me, than who?
•	Giddy up
•	So, you want to be my Executive Director?

I have never had a friend, nor will I ever again, have a friend like you, Tom.  Your friendship was truly one of the most important relationships I have ever had, it was like no other.  Over the years I received a few quotes from you that shone a light on the person you were:
 
Tom: i came across these quotes i thought you'd like them
 
never take the advice of someone who has not had your kind of trouble. --sidney harris

if you want a man to resolve on following your advice, speak to him kindly.--Jean Guibert

Tom: and my favorite

as to advice, be wary: if it is honest, it is also criticism -- david grayson

MAY God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this sad time PSALMS 29:11

Tom is the second of the long time friends that I have lost tragically since working at SFC. Each loss is a blow. I however had an opportunity to watch them grow and prosper despite difficulties. I will miss them and cherish their memories. Kevin Logan

We remember Tom from his days working with brother Bob at Physical Structure.  Tom was always there to greet us after a tough work day pre-workout with a great big smile and lots of good humor.  Such a lovely man, gone way too soon.  Our warmest wishes to you Bob, and your family, during this most difficult time.  We are thinking of you.  Rose & Tom

My deepest condolences.   Tom and I worked together for several years on a plan to create a credit union through the Empowerment Center.   Tom was the lead planner.  He was terrific - smart, creative, focused, and a really nice and caring person.   He will be missed greatly by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Peace Shaw Family,
I met Tom at Touro Law Center when I gave a presentation to his class in an attempt to recruit for the Moot Court Honors Society.  Tom was very hard working and was referred to by his classmates as "the curve buster" because of his outstanding academic achievement. Whether a high five passing in the hall, a head nod in the library, or a 42 second conversation on how we were doing, I think we pushed and encouraged each other.  Tom helps inspire me.
Peace,
A Shamel D Manuel

I knew Tom for many years and was deeply moved by his perseverance amidst significant obstacles.  He inspired and befriended many who faced similar challenges.  We will miss his warmth, humor, wit and enduring optimism.  May his family find peace in their memories.

Dear Bobby & Shaw Family,
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Tommy. Those summers spent life guarding and having Tom live at my parents' house were some of the most fun and memorable moments of my life. Tommy always kept us laughing. 
Tom-Cat, Rest in Peace.

I miss Tom.   He was a great influence in my life - unforgettable.   Hopefully, we could stay in touch.   Sincerely,   Eileen Wall

Dear Candace, Jessica, Michael and the entire family, We are so sorry for your loss.  Bob and I have only good memories of Tommy during his younger years and he was certainly a central figure in the  boys' [Michael, Chris] lives.  All who knew him, loved him.  He will be in our prayers.

Tom was my guiding light in law school. I looked to him for inspiration on many levels.  Although Tom is no longer with us, he will continue to carry the torch for me and all who knew him.

I am the Registrar at Touro Law Center, and Tom often stopped in to discuss classes and strategies for success. He was always respectful, and kind and he had a gentle way about him. I am so sorry for your loss.  Please know that your grief is shared by many people, and the lessons we learned from him about humility, kindness, and honoring the humanity in each other will live on. May memories of happier days bring peace to your hearts.

Tom and I met when he first started law school.  He would frequently stop by the Office of Career and Professional Development to chat. He shared his concerns about law school as well as his triumphs with me.  He was such a kind man, and I always made time for him because he had a great sense of humor and a keen intellect.  I greatly miss him, but I'll never forget him.

Margarett M. Williams, Esq.
Director of Employer Relations
Touro Law School
Office of Career & Professional Development

I was Tom's Criminal Law professor during his first semester as a law student. It is for students like Tom that I teach. I found him to be brilliant and always searching for "truths" beyond the assigned cases and materials. I'll never forget his look during class-- completely attentive, engrossed, searching, analyzing, and an absolute joy.

Tom was such a gentle soul, and I learned far more important things from him than he did from me.  The empty seat in my classroom will haunt us all.  I'm glad I knew him.  He was always positive and kind.  The air at the law school is heavy with sorrow today.  Rest in peace, Tom.

The Seymour family will always remember Tom as being gracious and loving. I am so sorry for the loss you must be feeling-Tom was a wonderful young man. (and Tom I have your coffee ready)

My deepest sympathy to you at this time of sorrow. I pray for your comfort in days ahead. God bless you and your family and keep you in his tender care.
Love, Vicki.

Tommy, 
Most of my earliest childhood memories include you.  You and Stacy Miranda (Grelish) were my first friends.  Although we drifted apart as adults I will always cherish the memories of "endless" summer days in Remsenburg spent with you my friend.  Rest in Peace.

May he Rest In Peace. May ANGEL WINGS wrap around all who are in need of comfort and love at this trying time.. my condolences to all...RIP ANGEL

So sad to hear the news of Tom's passing. He was a great guy and will be missed.  My thoughts are with you & your family. Rest in Peace Tom !!

So sad to hear about Tom's passing. Tom was one of the most sincere, hard working and kind people I've known. He will be deeply missed by our entire community. Rest in Peace Tom.

So sorry to hear of your passing. Lots of memories in high school, you were a great guy! Rest peacefully Tom and it was great to catch up recently. You will be missed!! Praying for your family in this tragic time.

OBITUARY

Thomas F Shaw

October 4, 1970 – November 5, 2016

Beney Funeral Home

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Funeral Mass Friday, November 11th 9:45AM St. Edward Confessor R.C. Church 205 Jackson Ave Syosset, NY 11791, Vistation Wednesday November 9th & Thursday November 10th 2-4 & 7-9PM Beney Funeral Home Syosset, NY11791