Leon H. Shaw

GARDNER - Leon H. Shaw, 83, of 59 Eastwood Circle, Gardner, died peacefully Friday morning, March 6th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner. He was born in Worcester on October 30,1925, the son of the late Henry C. and Doris M. (George) Shaw and lived in many towns in Worcester County throughout his life. Leon was a self-employed oil burner technician for many years. He had previously driven an oil truck for C.K. Smith Co. in Worcester. He also had worked as a chimney sweep. Leon had been an auctioneer and antique dealer and had a passion for finishing antiques. A lover of music and being very musically inclined, Leon enjoyed entertaining people. He self taught himself the piano, accordion, guitar, banjo and harmonica. He loved to sing and sang in the choir of the Oakdale Methodist Church at one time. Leon also loved fishing and playing horseshoes. He was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. Leon had a tryout in the Boston Braves farm system in his earlier years. Leon proudly served in the United States Navy during World War Two. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal and Phillipine Liberation Medal. He leaves ten children, Leon H. "Chip" Shaw Jr., Bruce E. Shaw of Baldwinville, David E. Shaw and his wife Lori of Longview, Washington, Cheryl Ann Garvick and her husband Bruce of Gardner, Debra J. Guitare and her husband Michael of Gardner, Judy Lynn Hawke and her husband Andy of Winchendon, William J. Shaw of Gardner, John F. Shaw and his wife Gail of Petersham, Tina L. Cormier of Gardner and Kimberly G. Treshinsky and her husband Jon of Gardner; one sister, Doris Stevens of West Boylston; one brother, Edward Shaw of Florida; a son-in-law, Archie Archambeault of Minnesota; a brother-in-law, Earl Clemence of Sterling, 34 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a daughter, Bonnie Lee Archambeault, who died last August and a sister, Mildred Clemence. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13th at 10 A.M. in the Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon. The Rev. Kerry Twing will officiate. Burial, with military honors, will be in the Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Winchendon. Calling hours in the funeral home will be Thursday, March 12th from 5 to 8 P.M. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association of Massachusetts, 460 Totten Pond Road Suite 400, Waltham, MA. 02451. www.snow-ladeau.com