Services For Long-Time Coach And Dean To Be Held At St. Laurence

BURBANK, IL — Services for long-time teacher and coach Barry Shaw will be held this weekend at St. Laurence High School in Burbank. Shaw’s death was announced on the high school’s Facebook page Jan. 16. He was 66.

Shaw resided in Evergreen Park, He served in a variety of roles for more than 39 years, as a dean, teacher and coach, and as a mentor and friend on a personal level.

“Dean Shaw truly loved every single Viking. Whether you were a student or a colleague, you could always stop by his office for a joke, a magic trick or a story about the old days. While the school has changed in many ways over the years, Barry was a constant presence in our hallways for almost four decades, and his firm and caring presence will be missed by all who knew him.”

Students, former students and neighbors left tributes to Shaw on the St. Laurence Facebook page.

“An absolute legend! While Saint Laurence was his home away from home, he also made a second home as the assistant women’s basketball coach at Saint Xavier for 20 years! He touched the lives of so many! What a great gift he has been to this south side community and his legacy will long live on!”

“R.I.P. Dean Shaw. He was a fair and good man who was always looking out for our best interest. He wanted us to grow into the best Men that we could be. My prayers and condolences go out to his friends and family.”

“Truly a great man who spent every day of his life trying to install discipline and life lessons into young men. At the time it wasn’t fun and didn’t make sense, but now looking back at it, it was all for a reason. Very sad day. St. Laurence will not be the same without Dean Shaw. Rest peacefully, sir.”

Shaw was a member of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. Shaw was a long-time basketball coach at other schools as well, including Saint Xavier University, Chicago State University and University of Illinois-Chicago, in addition to St. Laurence.

Shaw is survived by his wife, Mary, and his son, Bob ‘07. He was also a beloved grandfather who never hesitated to share stories of his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, with a funeral service set for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at St. Laurence High School, 5556 W. 77th St., Burbank. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery in Alsip.