AMHERST - Frederick "Fred" Michael Shaw, 72, of Southpoint Drive in Amherst and a former longtime resident of Northampton, died on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010, at the Cozy Corner Nursing Home in Sunderland after a period of declining health.

He was born on Dec. 31, 1937, in Northampton and was the son of the late Francis W. and Hazel E. (Bellonduno) Shaw. Fred was educated in Northampton public schools and was a graduate of Northampton High School's Class of 1955.

While at Northampton High he played baseball and basketball, was a team linebacker for the Blue Devils Football Team and was a proud member of the Class A 1953 State Championship Team. He worked as a nursing assistant for 26 years at the VA Medical Center in Leeds until he retired in 1997.

Fred was a former member of the Massachusetts National Guard, having served with the Yankee Division 104th Infantry in Northampton. For many years he was a longtime Little League coach and enjoyed playing softball, baseball and golfing.

Fred is survived by his wife, Donna Lee (Houle) Shaw; his three daughters, Shannon Shaw of Northampton, Rebecca Edwards and her husband Lamont of Sunderland and Brenda Wolf and her husband Shane of Cummington; seven grandchildren, Christopher, Courtney, Katelyn, Jordyn Mae, Lamont, Morice and Za-nya; one brother, Edward F. Shaw and his wife Ryann of North Hatfield; one sister, Beverly Bassett Shaw and husband Thomas of Florence; and four nieces.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Graham Funeral Home, which has been entrusted with providing for Fred's care and services, with burial at St. Mary's Cemetery in Northampton. Calling hours will be held on Thursday Jan. 7, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Graham Funeral Home, 18 Adams St. in Easthampton. Donations are requested to the charity of the donor's choice.