Leslie
G. Shoemaker
September 15, 2007
Leslie G. Shoemaker, 84, a lifelong resident of Scranton, died Saturday evening in the Aseracare Hospice Inpatient Hospice Unit at the Mid Valley Hospital after an illness. He and his first wife, the former Eleanor Partyka, were married twenty three years at the time of her death on December 17, 1969. He and his wife, the former Jean Gruver, celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on July 30th.
He was born in Scranton, the son of the late Wilson and Leah Dadey Shoemaker. He was a graduate of Scranton Technical High School, a member of St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Church, South Scranton, a veteran of the US Army serving during WW II. He faithfully and bravely served his country, was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart. He also received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three Bronze Stars. He was a member of the American Legion Post #568, Minooka, V.F.W., McHugh-Bushweiller, Post #3474, the Waldorf Park German American Federation, the 606 Club, St. Mary's Parish Club and the Lithuanian Taurus Club. He took great pride in his work as a printer for more than 50 years.
His positive attitude, friendly demeanor and zest for life was evident to anyone who met him. He was loved by all of his family, loyal to his friends, and will be truly missed by all those that knew him. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his hobbies included bowling, playing pool, fishing and dancing.
The family would like to thank all of the nurses and nursed aides at Aseracare for their compassionate care.
Also surviving are his children, Robert Shoemaker and his wife Peggy, Shirley Watkins and her husband David, Lenny Shoemaker and his wife Susan, Charles Zawadzki and his wife Lisa, all of Scranton, Ruth Chapman and her husband David, Dayton, Nevada; a brother, Gene Shoemaker, Dunmore; nine grandchildren, Ian, Joey, Christopher, Chad, Brian, Stephen, Robert, Howard and Deborah; nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Norman, Charles, Gerald and Stephen; a granddaughter Melanie Watkins.
The funeral will be Wednesday from the Miller Bean Funeral Home, 436 Cedar Avenue, with Mass at 10:00 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Church. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday 5 to 8 p.m.. Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Aseracare Hospice, 749 Northern Boulevard, Clarks Summit, PA 18411, www.aseracare.com/Asera.