Dr. E.F. Shaw Wilgis

Dr. Edward Ford Shaw Wilgis, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in The Blakehurst Retirement Community on February 2, 2025. He was born December 17, 1936 in Baltimore, to the late Dr. Herbert E. Wilgis and Margaret S. Wilgis. He was one of four children, Herbert, Jane, and Peggy all deceased. Shaw attended The McDonogh School, followed by Princeton University for undergraduate. He earned an MD at the University of Maryland Medical School in 1962. In 1967 Shaw studied under Dr. Guy Pulvertaft for a hand fellowship in Great Britain. Returning to the states, Shaw joined Finney, Trimble & Associates. During 1975 Shaw was one of the founding members of the Curtis National Hand Center at Union Memorial Hospital followed by Greater Chesapeake Hand Specialist. Shaw retired from private practice and UMH in 1999. Not sitting still Shaw joined the board of Helix, the parent corporation of UMH and started the Reseach Center for the Curtis National Hand Center. Helix merged with Mid-Atlantic to form what is now MedStar Health System. From 2006-2009 Shaw was the Chairman of MedStar. In 2009 he transferred to become Chairman of the MedStar Research Institute, retiring for the final time in 2011. The International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand awarded Shaw the Pioneer of Hand Surgery Award in 2010 for his advancements in microsurgery procedures of hand reconstruction. Shaw loved their home in Henlopen Acres, Del. which became a gathering spot for friends and family. He enjoyed spending time on the water, becoming an avid water skier at the age of 45. Shaw also enjoyed biking with colleagues, snow skiing, playing golf, and cards with friends over the years. He was an avid sports fan watching his beloved Ravens and Orioles any chance he got. He is survived by his wife, Betsy, of 62 years, and three children. Randolph Shaw Wilgis (Mary) of Camden, SC., Edward Ford Wilgis (Beth) of White Stone, VA., and Elizabeth Claire Gonder (Tim) of Timonium, MD. Along with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Shaw was a devoted husband, father, and Papa Shaw. He was known for his kindness, generosity and joyful spirit which made him many dear friends far and wide. Visiting hours will be held from 3-6 p.m. February 14th at Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home, 6500 York Rd. Baltimore. Services will be 12:00 noon. Saturday February 15th, at Saint Ignatius Church, 740 N. Calvert St. Baltimore, Md. 21202.The service will be Livestreamed at https://st-ignatius.net/livestream-1. Reception to follow at Elkridge Country Club 6100 N. Charles St. Baltimore, Md. 21212. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital www.curtishand.com or The Blakehurst Residents’ Scholarship Foundation 1055 West Joppa Road Towson,Md. 21204.

Dr. E.F. Shaw Wilgis

December 17, 1936 - February 2, 2025