BRISTOL — Robert “Bob” Shaw, age 64, died unexpectedly of a heart attack at home on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, with his loving wife of 38 years, Janet Shaw, by his side. Bob was born on March 21, 1957, in Burlington and raised in Middlebury, the son of Donald “Butch” Shaw and Jourdaine (Severy) Shaw. Bob was part of a large, close-knit family whose antics have become local folklore and a source of great entertainment for the younger generation. He attended Middlebury schools and graduated from Middlebury Union High School, Class of 1975.

Bob “Shawzer” was a gifted athlete, playing safety in football and excelling in wrestling at MUHS. He was the 1975 New England State Champion in the 122-pound weight class, following an undefeated senior year of 37-0. After high school, Bob attended SUNY Potsdam, where he continued his wrestling career, serving as co-captain of the team and was selected for All State. He graduated from Potsdam in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Education.

After college, Bob had a long career in public education, first teaching one year in Bridport and then as a social studies teacher for 35 years at his alma mater, MUHS. He taught countless students over the years, earning their respect by showing them respect. He cared about his students, not just academically, but also in terms of their lives and life goals. In addition to teaching, Bob also coached and served as a referee in wrestling. He coached his daughter’s junior high softball team and his son’s flag football and little league teams in Bristol.

His love of sports continued throughout his life and he shared that passion with all three of his children. He was a formidable force in the men’s softball league of Middlebury, bowled for years, enjoyed horseshoes, and loved every opportunity he had to play golf with his son. He enjoyed attending N.Y. Giants football games and Red Sox games with his family. While a teacher at Middlebury, he spent his time at Mount Abraham enthusiastically cheering on his children from the sidelines. He happily endured any teasing he received from his Middlebury students regarding his passion for Mt. Abe sports.

Bob retired from teaching in June of 2017. He reveled in his retirement years, and enjoyed traveling, gardening, maple sugaring, and listening to vinyl LPs with his wife. He found peace and solitude while being in nature, with hunting, fishing, birding, and sitting around a fire at night being amongst his many passions. He also loved driving his vintage white Mustang, woodworking and recreating his grandfather’s wooden toy patterns for his own grandchildren.

For Bob, love of family was first and foremost. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Janet Puls Shaw; his children Jessica and her husband, Christopher Marzi, Amanda and her husband, Alexander Pouliot, and Ian and his wife, Molly Shaw; and his grandchildren, Emma Marzi, Peter Marzi and Baby Shaw due in June 2022. His siblings Charles “Butch” and Mary Shaw of Pittsford, Willard “Skip” and Donna Patterson of Waltham, David and Wendy Shaw of Weybridge, and Pat and Lisa Shaw of Weybridge also survive him. His large family also includes numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Jourdaine Shaw in 2004 and by his father, Butch Shaw in 2009.

Public calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7, at Sanderson Funeral Home in Middlebury. Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, a small private service will be held for immediate family on Saturday, Jan. 8. For those who wish to participate virtually, a zoom link for the service is available here: tinyurl.com/Bob-Shaw-Service; ID: 744 5589 3723; 
Passcode: Shaw

Burial and a celebration of life will be held for all who wish to attend in the spring. Information will be provided at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to either The Bristol Rescue Squad, Inc. at 45 Monkton Road, Bristol, VT 05443 or The American Heart Association (www.heart.org).◊