February 8, 1935 - July 18, 2023
Bert Shaw, who with John and Eva Pierrakos was one of the three original trustees of the Pathwork Centers in Phoenicia and Manhattan; its first Executive Director; and a Core Energetics therapist for many years, passed away on July 18 at the age of 88. He died at the Fellowship Community in Chestnut Ridge, NY.
Mr. Shaw-Bert as he was known locally-was a therapeutic legend for more than four decades, revered by many dozens of Hudson Valley and New York City clients whose careers he helped rehabilitate. He also helped put many a derailed spiritual life back on track, and saved countless marriages and even some lives.
After a stint of military reserve duty, Mr. Shaw embarked on a career in advertising, where he worked as a copywriter and creative director for such Manhattan-based advertising agencies as Muller, Jordan & Herrick; and the esteemed business-to-business advertising agency Marsteller, where he was a VP and the youngest creative director in the history of the agency. He later founded his own firm, Shaw Elliott. His advertising campaign for Ward LaFrance, a fire engine manufacturer, inspired the company to paint their fleet a bright lime yellow, which brought them great notoriety.
In later years, Mr. Shaw turned his creative talents to writing poetry, children's stories, and spiritual literature. While living by his beloved pond on West Ohayo Mountain Rd. in Bearsville, he penned Pond Poems Etcetera; and with his wife and creative partner Moira Shaw, he co-wrote 50/50 Talks, which grew out of her elaboration of the Guide Lectures by Eva Pierrakos. With his wife he also co-wrote the children's book Garbage is Great: A Fishy Thriller.
Bert Shaw was born on Governor's Island in New York City on February 8, 1935 to Herbert Shaw, who worked in banking, and Edna Smith, a homemaker. His paternal grandfather was the military doctor for General Dwight Eisenhower.
Mr. Shaw leaves behind his spiritual partner Moira Buxton Shaw, his loving wife of 48 years and a fellow Core Energetics therapist and former Pathwork helper. He is also survived by his son Christopher Shaw of New York City; daughter Suzy Shaw Reed of Glens Falls; five grandchildren-Emily, Olivia, Annie, Sam and Timmy--and his sister Claire Shaw Rusen, of Sarasota.
The people whose lives he touched so deeply will never forget him.
To make a gift to the Fellowship Community in honor of Bert Shaw please visit
Comments