Dennis
Edward Shaw of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully on March 6,
2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in
Glendale, California, on December 27, 1942, Dennis lived a life rich in
love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those closest to him.
From
an early age, Dennis had an insatiable curiosity about the world. A
lifelong scholar with a deep passion for history and culture, Dennis
earned an associate’s degree at Glendale College, a bachelor’s and
master’s degree in anthropology from UCLA and UC Santa Barbara, as well
as a doctorate in history from the University of Miami. His early work
as an archaeologist took him to the King Ranch in New Mexico, where he
was the Field Director of the Anasazi Origins Archeological project, as
well as Santa Barbara where he assisted with the excavation of the
chapel of the Spanish Presidio. In 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Air
Force, serving honorably until 1971. He attained the rank of sergeant
and was stationed at the Pentagon, Shu Lin Kou Air Station near Taipei,
Taiwan and Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Following his
service, he began a 33-year career as a professor at Miami-Dade
Community College, teaching a range of subjects from anthropology and
history to archaeology and geography and inspiring generations of
students. He also taught at Florida International University and the
University of Miami and earned an Emmy Award in 1984 for his work on the
television series Faces of Culture.
In addition to his passion
for education and the social sciences, he was an avid poker player. He
was also a lifelong country music fan and taught himself the guitar,
banjo, and mandolin.
But while his professional achievements and
personal pursuits were many, his greatest joy was his family. On
September 1, 1973, he married the love of his life, Maria Elena Garcia,
and together they built a beautiful life filled with adventure, shared
dreams, and a deep and abiding love. Their home was always warm,
welcoming, and full of the stories he loved to tell.
Dennis was a
devoted father to Kimberly and Harley, always present with guidance,
encouragement, and an endless well of love. He made every moment
count—whether it was summer road trips across the country in the family
camper, teaching his children about history and culture through
real-world experiences, or simply sharing a quiet moment over a
home-cooked meal. He instilled in them a love of learning, a sense of
curiosity, and, above all, the importance of family.
As a
grandfather, Dennis embraced his role with joy and enthusiasm. Harper,
Charlotte, Amelia, and Brooks were the lights of his life, and he
cherished every hug, every storytime, and every chance to spoil them
with love and laughter. His heart swelled with pride as he watched his
family grow, and he never missed an opportunity to remind them how
deeply they were loved.
Dennis and Maria shared a love of travel,
embarking on countless European river cruises, exploring new cultures,
and creating lifelong memories together. But no matter where he
traveled, home was always wherever his family was. In 2023, Dennis and
Maria moved to Jacksonville to be closer to their children and
grandchildren, a final chapter spent in the embrace of those he
cherished most.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years,
Maria Shaw; his daughter, Kimberly Shaw and husband Michael Doyle, his
son, Harley Shaw and wife Michelle Shaw; his cherished grandchildren,
Harper and Charlotte Doyle and Amelia and Brooks Shaw; his niece, Denyse
Esswein, and her children, Lacey and Brandon Fountain; as well as
countless cousins and extended family in Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri,
New Mexico, and Arkansas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harley
and Montine Shaw, his sister, Sandi Esswein, and his brother-in-law,
Roy Esswein.
Dennis’ legacy is not only in the books he read, the
lessons he taught, or the places he explored—it lives on in the love he
poured into his family, the stories he shared, and the kindness he
showed to all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed but never
forgotten.
A service to celebrate his life will be held on Wednesday, March 12th, at 1 p.m. at the Jacksonville National Cemetery.
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