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IN THE CARE OF
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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