Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning. John “Reggie” Shaw was a middle son of immigrants from England who spent his entire life giving meaning to the lives he touched. As a young man he served in the US Navy on the Midway which impressed on him the honor of service to your country.
Upon returning to Scranton, Reggie met a young woman, Shirley who gave meaning to the word love. They began their married life in secret for three months hoping to save money to start their future, but that all changed when Reggie’s mother bought a new refrigerator expecting he would help make the payments. He declared “I’m a married man” with that statement their fifty-seven years of marriage launched in full drive, each year brought another child, first John R. Jr., Lea Ann and finally Kathi Jane. In order to meet the enormous responsibility and the challenges of supporting his family, Reggie worked plus completed a 4-year apprenticeship to obtain certification as a pipe fitter.
Reggie worked 40 years as a pipe fitter in Local #524 Scranton achieving the status of foreman and the respect of his co-workers. He was a member of the Freemasonry and Green Ridge Sportsmen’s Club, both Reggie and Shirley travelled throughout Europe and on multiple cruises with their favorite polka band John Stanky and the Coalminers.
When Reggie was injured in a freak fatal accident Shirley and their family made the decision to give the gift of life by donating his organs as an extension of a life well lived and loved.