Allan R. Shaw

Allan R. Shaw, a Needham resident for over 60 years, passed away on Sept 30, 2024. He was 94.

Allan was raised in Newton and was a graduate of Newton High School and the Tilton School. He attended Norwich Academy and was a graduate of Wentworth Institute in Boston. He worked for more than 30 years for MIT where he managed the Aero/Astro Engineering Project Lab and Wright Brothers Wind Tunnel. He guided engineering students on their path to careers in aeronautics, aerospace and NASA. His favorite project was the development of man powered flight.

Allan was a “car guy” and in his retirement he built a replica MG from the ground up. In his retirement he also volunteered with Needham Meals on Wheels delivering food and serving as treasurer. He always enjoyed building car models and tried a variety of hobbies including, restoring furniture, caning chairs, clay sculpting and working with stained glass. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July. He always enjoyed celebrating with family and friends as the parade passed by his home. He made a few appearances in his MG.

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Alice (Foster) Shaw, his sons Steven of Norton, Christopher of Aberdeen, NC, his grandchildren Derek Shaw of Rehoboth and Casandra “Cassie” Keith of Spring TX, and his two great grandchildren, Maxwell Shaw and Alex Keith. He was the brother of the late Robert Shaw.

Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Needham Community Council Food Pantry

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