HAMILTON, ON – After a sudden and brief illness, Joseph Albert Shaw - Husband, Father, Father-in-Law, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and Friend passed away on January 2, 2026, in his 87th year.

Family and Legacy - Predeceased by his parents, Rhéa Anna (Tremblay) & Donald Gilbert of London, Ontario, Howard Shaw, Margret (Jean) Shaw of London, Ontario, and Harry Shaw of Timmins, Ontario. Joseph is survived by his wife, Isabella Marchese, and his children: Victoria (Anthony), Tracy (Susie), and Rick (Lainie), Erika (Oscar), Vanessa (Mike), and Marla (Tyler). Fondly remembered by Beverley (Bev) Hodsdon.

Joseph (Papa) was a proud grandfather to sixteen (16) grandchildren Ryan, Courtney, Brett, Sandy, Kari-Lynn, Stephanie, Jacklyn, Kyle, Parker, Jaden, Asiri, Nina, Theo, Jocelyn, Caden and Brynley, and fourteen (14) great-grandchildren Holly, Jack, Jake, Brayden, Felix, Marshall, Kiera, Shawna, Austin, April, Owen, Travis, Jaelyn and Beckett.

Celebration of Life - Will be held on Saturday February 7, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at St Paul United Church, 29 Park St. W, Dundas L9H 1X3.

A Life of Curiosity - Joseph was a true bookworm and a lifelong learner. Whether earning a 3rd-degree black belt in Aikido, practicing shiatsu massage, or learning to salsa, he never stopped challenging himself. His career was as diverse as his interests: from co-owning One Stop Records with his best friend Nathan Segal and working as a chef in Ontario and Australia, to earning a university degree later in life to become a psychologist.

He brought hope and encouragement to many through his counseling, always using his keen philosophical mind to engage in meaningful conversations. He was an avid fan of the Montreal Canadiens, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Toronto Blue Jays, and held a deep passion for opera, jazz, and mystery novels.

A Kind Heart - Joseph had the rare gift of making anyone feel like the most important person in the room. He was a dedicated supporter of his children and grandchildren, attending every hockey game, concert, and horse show with enthusiasm. His sharp wit and sincere interest in the lives of others made him a "gem of a human" to all who knew him.

Acknowledgements & Donations - The family extends their deepest gratitude to the doctors, Dr. Mitza and Dr. Joe, nurses, and support staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph’s memory would be appreciated by:

• Covenant House (Toronto)
• The Canadian Opera Company

Happy Trails, dear Joseph. We love you and we will miss you, especially when the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup.