Rev. Dr. Richard L. Shaw, 93, of Atlantic Highlands, passed away March 4, 2026, in Neptune.
Born in 1932 in Harmonsburg, Crawford County, Pennsylvania, Richard was the cherished son of Leo and Margaret Shaw and one of four siblings. From a young age, his life reflected a deep calling to serve God.
At just 20 years old, he began formal ministry training at Practical Bible Training School in Pennsylvania, where God not only shaped his calling but also introduced him to the great love of his life, Nancy. The two married soon after and were blessed with 67 beautiful years of marriage, grounded in faith, devotion and love. Richard began his church pastoring at Lyona Bible Church in Pennsylvania.
After living in New York State, Richard and Nancy moved to New Jersey in 1965. He faithfully served as pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Atlantic Highlands for 10 years before helping to establish Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County in 1975. He shepherded his congregation there for the next 51 years, pouring his heart, wisdom and unwavering faith into generations of believers.
Richard earned his doctorate in philosophy and religion, along with other advanced degrees. He also shared his deep knowledge and passion for learning as a professor of comparative religion at Brookdale Community College. Well-versed in biblical Greek and Hebrew, his wisdom and dedication made him a beloved pastor, teacher and mentor to generations of congregants.
Richard devoted his entire life to serving the Lord by serving others. Through compassionate counseling, hospital and home visitations, community outreach and steadfast leadership, he faithfully reflected Christ’s love.
He loved music, singing and clapping along with both hymns and contemporary Christian music. Above all else, his greatest joy was sharing the love of Jesus. He was an active member of the Area Association of Community Churches (AACC) and was honored to officiate countless weddings, baby dedications, water baptisms and funerals – walking with families through both their greatest joys and deepest sorrows.
He was deeply loved and respected for his strong faith, gentle spirit, selflessness, kindness and, endearingly, his love of chocolate. Richard leaves behind a legacy of faithfulness, service and love that will continue to bear fruit in the many lives he touched.
Surviving are his two daughters, Rebecca (Larry) Sassmann and Linda Lee (Stephen) Karanja-Sebastian; son Daniel R. (Connie Collins) Shaw; four grandchildren, Daniel Karanja, Jason Shaw, Sharon (Erin) McCay, and Sherman Sebastian; great-grandchildren Nathan, Kyrsten, Skyler, Miles, Reed, Ada and Teagan; great-great-grandchild Leon; nephews, John, James, Harold, Ron and Mike; nieces, Debbie, Diana, Cindy and Connie; and sisters-in-law Carol and Betty.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Shaw; sister Betty Sullivan; brothers, Jack and Harold; parents, Leo and Margaret Shaw; niece Kristi Welton; son-in-law Samwel Karanja; and his first grandson, Lee Karanja.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. March 13 and 11 a.m. March 14 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. The funeral service will be offered at noon Saturday, March 14, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Richard’s memory to Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County, 810 Route 36, Leonardo, NJ 07737.
A memorial service honoring Nancy and Richard Shaw will take place June 6, 2026, at Calvary Chapel of Monmouth County. This date holds special significance as it is within the week of their wedding anniversary. Following the service, their ashes will be buried together, celebrating their bond and shared life.
Arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
The article originally appeared in the March 12 – 18, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
