Honoring a Deep Sayville Legacy

It is with a heavy heart that the Sayville Alumni Association shares the news of the passing of Bob Shaw, a proud member of the Class of 1963. Bob was born on September 25, 1945, in Bay Shore, NY, and passed away on September 6, 2024, at the age of 78. His passing comes about a year before the recent loss of his sister, Nancy Evelyn (Shaw) Peiser (Class of 1959).

When we think of area families with roots that run deep, the Shaw and Locker families certainly come to mind. Bob was the son of Willie Shaw and Evelyn Mildred (Locker) Shaw, Class of 1933. Many in our community will remember his grandfather, the legendary bayman Tonis Locker, who was not only a dedicated member of the West Sayville Fire Department but also a familiar face as a docent at the West Sayville Maritime Museum.

Personally, I remember the Shaw family well. As a kid, I delivered the New York Daily News (the morning paper) to their house every morning! 

Bob’s lineage is a testament to the very history of West Sayville. His great-grandfather, John “Hans” Locker, born in 1837 in the Netherlands, also served as a fireman in his time, passing away in West Sayville in 1894. On the maternal side, the family tree intertwines with other prominent local names—the Buys, the VanderBorghs, and many more—families whose lives were intimately connected to the rhythms of the Great South Bay. For generations, they worked the water, building their lives around fishing, oystering, and clamming.

This family history is more than just genealogy; it’s a reminder of the profound relationship between our community members and the natural world of the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean, a way of life that has shaped the community character for centuries.

Obtaining Bob’s birthdate just yesterday felt like a poignant gift from the past. Bob was born on September 25th—yesterdays actual date! And so, today as I write this, albeit now a day late, we feel it is a perfect moment to say a special thank you to Bob as we remember him.

After his time at Sayville High School, we know that Bob went on to become a career klong teacher, believed to be within the Bay Shore school district. He carried the values of his heritage into a new generation.

Now, we turn to you, his classmates, friends, and former students. Do you have memories of Bob Shaw to share? A story from his youth, his classroom, a recollection from around town, or a piece of his history? We would love to hear them and help preserve the full picture of a man so deeply connected to our community.  Please share your memories!

May he rest in peace… 

-Hal