Ernest G. Shaw, 88, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2018 while surrounded by his family. Ernie was the seventh child born to John Leon and Iva Shaw and lived almost his entire life in Simsbury, CT. Ernie loved Simsbury and was an active member of the Simsbury United Methodist Church and supported the Simsbury Republican Town Committee. He especially loved the annual Memorial Day Parade through town. Ernie was very proud to have served as a Sergeant in the Korean War where he worked in counter intelligence. He was also life member of the American Legion. He graduated from UConn and worked for Covenant Mutual Insurance Company for 36 years where he was a Vice President and Corporate Secretary. Ernie married Pauline McBride in 1951. Pauline and Ernie were married for 66 years and had five children together. Ernie was a man of intense loyalties and passions. He was a staunch supporter of all things UConn …especially the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Over time, his signature look included a Husky baseball cap and at least one American flag lapel pin. Ernie always bought Ford cars, loved to shop at supermarkets if they were previously owned by A & P, and only dressed in blue. He also liked watching financial news and keeping a close eye on the stock market. Ernie loved to sing and dance and had his own style of ballroom dancing. Pauline and Ernie would frequent the local senior dances several times a week and loved the people, the live music and big band sound. Ernie and Pauline had a chance to explore many places in Europe and the United States, but his favorite place to travel was always Cape Cod.
Ernie is predeceased by his son Rick, and is survived by his wife Pauline of Simsbury, CT, his daughter Janet Herlihy Russell (Doug) of Cambridge, MA, his daughter Leeanne Shaw Quinn of West Hartford, CT, his son Scott (Leslie) of Harwich, MA, and his son Steve (Caprice) of Barkhamsted CT. He will be remembered fondly by granddaughters Kaitlin Herlihy Cambras (Jon), Meggie Herlihy Barrow (Jeff), Shannon Quinn, Mary Quinn, and Kenzi Shaw as well as by grandsons Sean Herlihy, Matthew Quinn, and Axel Shaw. Ernie had three great grandchildren: Charlie Cambras, Theia Cambras, and Wes Barrow. Ernie is also survived by his sister-in-law Martha Olmstead and her husband Skip as well as by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial celebration of Ernie’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 1:30 at the Simsbury United Methodist Church on 799 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Ernie’s memory to either the Simsbury United Methodist Church or the Residence at Brookside in Avon, CT. The Vincent Funeral Home of Simsbury is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Ernie’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.