William A. Shaw
Updated: Sep 25
1942 - 2026
William Aloysius Shaw II, a devoted family man, decorated public servant, accomplished attorney, and proud son of Brooklyn, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bill was the cherished son of the late William and Mary Shaw and brother of Mary Lou. Brooklyn remained etched in his heart throughout his life, and he never quite recovered from the Dodgers leaving for Los Angeles. He carried great fondness for his childhood parish, St. Vincent Ferrer, and his high school, Brooklyn Prep, and the many friendships from these places he maintained throughout his life.
Early in his young adulthood, Bill briefly entered the seminary to study for the priesthood. Though he eventually chose a different path, that time blessed him with deep, decades-long friendships with priests whom he greatly loved and admired, and who were present for many of the most pivotal moments of his life, including his peaceful passing.
For 57 wonderful years, Bill was married to the love of his life, Maita Shaw. Together, they built a vibrant family rooted in love, humor, and unwavering loyalty. He was the heart of his family - a devoted, supportive, and proud father and grandfather.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved son, William (Billy) Shaw. He is survived by his loving wife, Maita; his daughter-in-law, Tara (wife of the late Billy); his son, Timothy, and his wife, Maria; and his daughter, Genny, and her husband, Ryan. He leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his later years: Michela, Anastasia, Riley, Christian, Addie, Will, and Luke.
Outside of his devotion to his family, Bill’s second great love was the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY). Serving the city with distinction for 28 years, Bill rose through the ranks to retire in May 1995 as Assistant Chief of Department. His commitment to service also extended to his country; he honorably served in the United States Navy on active duty and continued his military dedication in the Navy Reserves.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Bill embarked on a second distinguished career following his retirement from the FDNY, practicing law as an attorney for over two decades. His sharp intellect and trustworthiness made him a trusted advocate.
Bill possessed a rare gift for friendship. He maintained deep, meaningful bonds with friends spanning back as far as 80 years, keeping a full schedule and remaining actively connected with those he loved until his final days. Whether recounting stories from his early years in Brooklyn, discussing a good book, or checking in on an old friend, Bill approached life with vitality, humor, and warmth. We will miss him terribly, but we are so grateful that he was ours.
Memorial Information
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in memory of William A. Shaw II to causes close to his heart:
The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation
St. Francis Breadline
VISITATION
Tuesday, September 29
3:00 - 9:00 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Wednesday, September 30 10:45 AM St. Anastasia R.C. Church 45-14 245th Street Little Neck, NY
INTERMENT
Holy Rood Cemetery 111 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY
So sorry for your loss. We didn’t find out until after the mass.
We lost another great man. First Billy and now Bill Sr. Two of the finest men I’ve ever known. God Bless.
I will always remember all the social events spent with Maita and Bill in Douglaston. Most of all Bill’s sense of humor. Also, how Bill, other friends and myself, use to watch the parades in Little Neck/Douglaston in front of the Little Neck Inn and eat their free hotdogs. It became a fun tradition! My deepest condolences to the whole family! Heaven now has two angels, Bill Sr. And Bill Jr. May God bless you all and keep you Strong! ❤️
When the Buckleys moved across Browvale Lane from Maita and Bill in 1977, we never dreamed that our families would be so lovingly entwined. When my daughter was born, it was if they had another child. When Alana excelled in Latin at Dominican Academy, She and Bill shared the love of the language together. We loved him so much, but Maita, Billy, Timmy and Genny, as the most wonderful family.
Maita and family, I am so very sorry. Bill was such a special man, and I feel very lucky to have known him. It was always so clear how much he loved his family, and how deeply he was loved in return. I will keep all of you close in my heart and in my prayers. Sending you so much love.
Tara & Mike Riordan