Obituary of Neil R Shoemaker

Neil R. Shoemaker, 76, of Bovina Center, passed away at home early Friday morning, June 30, 2023.

Born on March 1, 1947 in Lancaster, Ohio, he was the son of the late Victor and Jean (Gantz) Shoemaker.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Neil enlisted in the US Army, serving for 20 years from 1965 until his honorable discharge and retirement as Staff Sergeant in 1985. Following his retirement from the Army, Neil was a bus driver for Delaware Academy and the City of Oneonta.

Neil was married to Mary FL (Weber) Shoemaker on April 11, 1969 a union that lasted over 47 years until her passing on December 25, 2016

In his retirement Neil enjoyed computers and he always had a love for trains and locomotives. Neil was the type of guy that was always there to help, family members would often call on Neil to be a safe harbor in a time of need. He was a wealth of knowledge and was able to keep a sharp mind right up to the end, often helping the grandchildren with their Algebra homework.

Besides his parents and wife, Neil was predeceased by a brother: Mark Shoemaker.

He is survived by daughters: Sharon Shoemaker (Anna Procter) of the United Kingdom, Shannon Shoemaker of Bovina Center, Shawnon (Steve) Morganstern of Bovina Center, Shirley Shoemaker of Bovina Center, Valerie Scanlan, Gena Swantak and Erin Bartlett; grandchildren: Elsa and Dietrich Morganstern both of Bovina Center; brothers: John (Joyce) Shoemaker, Carl Shoemaker and sister-in-law Donna Pridemore; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burial with full military honors will be at 11AM on Sunday, September 10, 2023 at the Bovina Cemetery.  A celebration of Neil’s life will follow the burial at the Bovina Community Center. 

Please visit www.hallandpeet.com to share a condolence with the Shoemaker family.