Richard (Dick) Jackson Shaw
September 25, 1932 – August 13, 2025

Richard (Dick) Jackson Shaw passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025, in Saratoga Springs, NY, just a little over a month shy of his 93rd birthday. He had been living there with his daughter, Cindy Shaw.

Dick was born on September 25, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Detroit with his parents, Helen and Raymond Shaw, and sister, Phyllis. He graduated from Redford High School and went on to attend Michigan State University, where he met the love of his life, Jane. They married in 1955, shortly before Dick began his service in the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1955 to 1958.

Following his military service, Dick launched a long and successful career in the food service industry. Early in his career, he lived in various parts of the country including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, and Connecticut. He was part of the pioneering team that brought the first Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises to New York City.

In 1980, Dick became a franchise owner of three Burger King restaurants in Philadelphia. He and Jane settled in Villanova, PA, where they raised their family and lived for more than 40 years. Dick continued working well into his 80s, finally retiring at the age of 87. He remained a regular visitor to his Castor Avenue Burger King, enjoying lunch there until moving to Saratoga Springs in 2021.

A devoted family man and loyal friend, Dick loved to travel and was passionate about golf. He had the opportunity to play many of the top courses in the country, but none held his heart like Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, PA, where he was a proud member. He was also a diehard Michigan State Spartan and an enthusiastic supporter of Philadelphia sports teams. Dick had a natural ability to connect with people and maintained lifelong friendships, some dating back to his school days in Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Jane, who passed away in December 2020. He is survived by his daughters Cindy Shaw of Saratoga Springs, NY; Karen Shaw of Needham, MA; and Amy (Matt) Pomrink of Gaithersburg, MD. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Maddie and J.J. Pomrink.

A small, private memorial will be held with family in September.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard Shaw's memory to Lustgarten Foundation , an organization that was very important to him: https://lustgarten.org