Shaw, Frank Rinaldo "Tad", Jr. (age 91) of Excelsior passed away peacefully on March 19, leaving behind a legacy filled with love and laughter, accomplishment and service.

Tad was born August 6, 1932 in Minneapolis to Frank R. Shaw and Margaret Mulcahy Shaw. Young Tad left no block of South Minneapolis unexplored, traveling the streetcars to find the very best bakeries. He attended Calhoun School and later Christ the King School, where he built lifelong friendships.

After graduating from St. Thomas Military Academy in 1950, Tad studied political science at the University of Minnesota, engaging in campus life as a disk jockey and joining Delta Kappa Epsilon. After graduation in 1954, Tad served in the Army as a First Lieutenant during the Korean War. While stationed at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, Tad was known to journey up to New York City to explore the jazz clubs, once witnessing a surprise Louis Armstrong performance at Jimmy Ryan's.

In 1958, Tad founded Shamrock Agency, where his achievements as a community-minded insurance agent were remarkable, cultivating strong customer relationships, especially in underserved parts of the Twin Cities.

Tad's life took its most significant turn when he met Mary Seifert, declaring it: "The day my life began." On September 21, 1968, they were married. As an only child, Tad bravely joined Mary's very large and boisterous family. He took on the role of brother-in-law to Mary's six brothers and easily won over the family to become a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Family remained at the center of Tad's world. He was a devoted husband to Mary and a wonderful father to his three children: Laura Shaw, Julia (Pat) McNamara, and Mark Shaw. He took special pride in his granddaughters, Audrey and Aria Sanden, and cherished the moments spent with them, watching them evolve into impressive young adults.

Tad was also a true friend of dogs, especially Scottish Terriers, and neighbors fondly recall Tad's amiable chats during his walks with his faithful Scottie companions. In 2022, puppies Siri (white) and Scottie (black) joined the family, bringing a new flavor of rambunctious joy to the mix.

Tad dedicated much of his life to public service. He served proudly on: the Shorewood City Council, the Minnetonka School Board, Minnetonka Community Services Board, the Excelsior Historical Society, the Excelsior Rotary Club, and as the President of the Filia Foundation where he championed education and arts initiatives for students in need. He also worked closely with the Minnetonka Foundation, where he was instrumental in ideating and orchestrating the first Minnetonka All-Class Reunion.

Tad and Mary were both very active in the Basilica of St. Mary and St. Therese in Deephaven, as regular ushers and Eucharistic ministers. At St. Therese, they brought their festive spirit to the congregation by introducing and coordinating "wine and cheese" events.

Tad always remained open to the world. His family hosted seven foreign exchange students from across the globe, some of whom became a dear part of the family. Yet his heart was at least partly somewhere in the Emerald Isle: he took two trips to his ancestral homeland of Ireland, where he celebrated his 85th birthday in Lough Rynn castle in County Leitrim.

Tad's home, since 1971, was Christmas Lake. The house, which was designed by Mary and Tad, was known for decades by family, friends, and neighbors to be a place of warmth, welcome and joyful gatherings. Where guests danced to music from the player piano well past midnight. The next morning, if you were lucky, Tad would make his famous waffles. In summer, Tad captained and narrated sunset cruises around the lake. In the winter, guests celebrated around the 18 foot tall Christmas tree, perhaps enjoying a Manhattan made according to Tad's special recipe.

It wasn't all parties, it was also a place of contemplation and conversation. The walls were lined with bookshelves and for good reason: Tad was a voracious reader with a quick wit and sharp intellect. No crossword puzzle was left unfinished, no pun unmade.

In his final days, Tad was surrounded by music, love and laughter at home, with a lovely view of Christmas Lake. He received a steady stream of visitors; countless family members and friends whose lives he touched. His humor and natural humility, fully intact until the end, brought joy and light to all those around him, just as they always had.

As we bid farewell, may his memory continue to inspire laughter, love, and a commitment to making the world a better place.

Tad was preceded in death by his parents Frank & Margaret (Mulcahy) Shaw, as well as his beloved Uncle Tom Mulcahy. And many canine friends, notably Skipper, Shadow, McDuff, Duncan, and Devon.

Tad's family is grateful for all the love and support Tad received. A special thank you to the caregivers who brought so much heart, knowledge, skill, and kindness to the family and to Tad in his final days.

A wake will be held at 5-8 pm on April 2nd at Huber Funeral Home in Excelsior. Funeral services will be held at noon on April 3 at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, with visitation one hour prior to services. After a luncheon, interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery in Excelsior.

Published on March 24, 2024