Richard "Dick" Shaw

Richard “Dick” Shaw, 87, of Winter Haven, FL, passed on September 30, 2025. Born October 2,1937 in Winter Haven, Dick was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather. A proud veteran, he served his country in the US. Navy from 1955-1958. Dick married his college sweetheart Nancy in 1960 and together they built a life devoted to their family, service to their church and following Dick’s passion for music. He was very involved as a 53-year member in the Sunshine District of the Barbershop Harmony Society and in 1995, he served as the International President of the Society. He was a member of several barbershop quartets, most notably The Sunshine Association, District Champions in 1973. Dick’s daughters, Melissa and Amy, have fond childhood memories of falling asleep to barbershop harmonies when the quartet practiced at their home. Dick also sang in the choirs at First Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church and First Presbyterian Church as well as serving as a deacon and on various committees. As a graduate of the University of Florida, Dick was an unwavering fan of the Gators, and he and Nancy are lifetime alumni. Dick later earned his doctorate in Educational Administration from Nova University. Dr Shaw spent 25 years at what is now Polk State College assisting students with their educational and career plans in the Student Services Division.

The best moments with Dick were the ones where his quiet observations would culminate in a hilarious, dry one-liner. He will be remembered for his famous fudge - a recipe he inherited from his mother, Margaret, as well as his delicious homemade vanilla ice cream - a favorite at church ice cream socials.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy (McNamara), his daughters Melissa Fong and Amy Kok, their respective husbands, Jeff and Doug and his three grandchildren Jared Fong, Maya Fong and Caden Kok, as well as his brother Jack Shaw (Sandy). He is preceded in death by his mother Margaret Broach, his father Delbert Shaw and his grandmother Jessie Melvin. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven on November 25, 2025, at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dick’s memory to the Barbershop Harmony Foundation “Keep A Melody Ringing” Memorial Wall at the following link: https://www.harmonyfoundation.org/memorial-giving

Dick was passionate about barbershop harmony and worked tirelessly to share it with others. In his memory, we share this video of him singing with his chorus — a reminder of the music, friendship, and fun that barbershop brings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_lVuvrYr_w