Richard "Rick" Shaw

Richard "Rick" Shaw, 91, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2026. Born on December 9, 1934, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Rick lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to his family, faith, career, and community.

Rick enlisted in the United States Navy in 1954 and served with distinction aboard the USS Los Angeles in the Western Pacific from 1955 to 1956 and on the USS Dennis J. Buckley destroyer in Japan in 1957. He was honorably discharged in 1958 and returned to Erie to work at Lord Manufacturing.

In 1959, Rick began a long and successful career with IBM as a computer programmer and engineer. His work took him to Kingston, New York, where he became a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. In 1986, he relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, continuing his career with IBM until his retirement in 1989. In Raleigh, Rick became an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.

Rick was a devoted husband to Rebecca Alice Shaw and a loving father to their children: Debra Spader, Arthur Shaw, Barbara Irene, and Diann Hughey. He cherished his role as grandfather to Aubrey Humphrey, Thomas Shaw, Justin Irene, and Rebecca Irene, and as great-grandfather to Rylee Humphrey, Reagan Humphrey, and Liberty Shaw.

A man of many interests, Rick enjoyed tennis, bowling, and baseball throughout his life. His fun-loving nature and outgoing personality endeared him to all who knew him. He was deeply committed to being a friend to all and a source of love and support for his family.

In accordance with Rick's wishes, there will be no viewing or Celebration of Life service.

Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to make donations in his name to Grace Lutheran Church, 5010 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609, www.gracelutheranraleigh.org/give or Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, www.transitionslifecare.org/donate or Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, 9131 Anson Way, Suite 206, Raleigh, NC 27615, https://dementianc.org/?form=DANCDonate