Obituary of Michael J. Shaw

Michael J. Shaw, Sr., 82, husband of Geraldine (Layman) Shaw, passed away April 8, 2021 at his home in Orrington. He was born Oct. 22, 1938 in Calais, the son of Carleton B. and Margaret E. (Millett) Shaw. Mike graduated from John Bapst High School and received his degree in vocational education from Southern Maine University. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he began his career as a pipefitter/welder with Union Local 321, and then went on to teach welding at the Vocational High School in Bangor. After 5 years he began teaching at Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (now Eastern Maine Community College), and retired in 2004. Upon retirement, Mike and his wife Jerrie grew passionate about traveling and traded the brutal New England winters and spent their time volunteering for the State Parks in Florida and Texas.

He is survived by his wife Jerrie, of 61 years, five children, Michael J. Shaw, Jr. and Ellen Patricia J. Fenske and her husband Jeffrey, Steven M. Shaw, Carleton B. Shaw and Wendy, Kristie L. Louvat; ten grandchildren, Halie and Andrew Fenske, Stephanie Perry, Michael J. Shaw III, Chandler Shaw, Gabrielle, Zachary and Chloe Louvat, Ashley Durkin -Rixey and her husband Adam, Kayleigh Spadafora and her husband Jake; and son Joe. Two sisters, Lucille Wilson-Shaw and Paula Radka-Shaw; one brother, John F. Shaw and his wife, Ann O’Brien; two sisters in law, Anna May and Charlotte; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Margaret Stevens, and his two brothers, G. Carleton and Robert Shaw. Mike Shaw led by example in every aspect of his life. His legacy lives on through the lessons he shared with his family, friends, and colleagues. It has been a blessing to have such a wonderful man in our lives and he will be forever missed. Mike’s family gratefully thanks the staff of Northern Light Lafayette Center especially Dr. Chadkiewicz and the second floor nursing staff for their excellent care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 AM Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Teresas Catholic Church, So Main St., Brewer with a reception afterward.  Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lafayette Cancer Center, c/o Northern Light Health Foundation, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME  04402. Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer. Messages and memories may be shared with his family at kileyandfoley.com.