John S. Shaw

Obituary of: John Seymour Shaw 1923 - 2020

John Shaw was one of the “Greatest Generation” who lived a long life until 97. John was Second Lieutenant, Fighter Pilot of the United States Mighty Eighth Air Force during World War II, 62nd Fighter Squadron of 56th Fighter Group based at Boxted England. John flew the P-47 Thunderbolt, patrolled the English Coast over the Straights of Dover; Bomber Escort runs to Berlin and protected the bombers as they flew raids to help end the war. John was awarded Battle Stars for his participation in three major battles: Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central Europe. John was promoted to First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force Reserves. He was a member of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, Thunderbolts Pilots Association and Founding Member of the American Air Museum in Britain.

John attended Samson College, Geneva NY; earned Bachelor of Science, Business, NYU. After the War, John and June purchased a home in Wyckoff, NJ where they continued to live the remainder of their lives. John was employed at North Jersey Paper Company, Saddle River. He was VP and GM of Swatek Scott Paper distributer, Ridgefield Park. John was instrumental in package design until retirement at 35 years. John formed his own company designing packaging to protect sensitive equipment for rockets, computers and medical equipment.

John loved sailing. “It was the closest thing to flying,” he used to say. He kept his Sloop at Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club where he and his wife were active members for 45 years. They sailed up the New England Coast, and around the Caribbean. John enjoyed playing golf, fishing in Cape Cod and deep-sea fishing in the Bahamas. John and June enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Alaskan Cruise, Europe, England and Scotland.

John and his wife, June, founded the Wyckoff Community Club. John was Boy Scout Master for over 10 years, Usher at Wyckoff Reformed Church for 35 years and an active member of Unitarian Society of Ridgewood. Upon retirement, John was a proud member of EAA Experimental Aircraft Association and Activities Unlimited Jazz Club.

John was a devoted family man, loving father, grandfather and proud patriot. It was fitting that on the day John passed, it was the 75th anniversary of VE Day May 8, 1945 that celebrates unconditional surrender of Germany to the Allies, providing Victory in Europe and the end of Hitler’s five years of tyranny.

John’s wife of 72 years, June Langill Shaw, passed on April 17, 2017 at the age of 93. John’s funeral arrangements are being managed by VanderPlaat Funeral Home, Wyckoff, New Jersey, then future burial with Military Honors next to his wife in Essex MA.  John is survived by his two daughters, Janet Shaw King and Julie Ann Shaw; Son-in-Law, James King; Grandchildren: Kerry Szymanski, Dusty Szymanski Sylvanson, Jason Szymanski; Great Grandchildren, Noah Szymanski, Hunter Szymanski, Leana Szymanski and Kai Sylvanson.