Bill Shoemaker 1934-2020
NEW MIDDLETOWN — Bill “Willy” Shoemaker, 85, founder and owner of B & J Pools Inc., passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Masternick Memorial Care Center.
Bill was born May 19, 1934, in Kittanning, Pa., a son to the late Thomas and Clara Smith Shoemaker. He graduated from Kittanning High School and married his wife of 63 years, the former Janet Goldstrom, on Sept. 4, 1956.
Bill was employed by Youngstown Sheet and Tube, from where he retired after 26 years. He also worked for, and was part owner in American Dream Pools before starting his own company, B & J Pools Inc.
In 1986, after 21 years in New Middletown, he and Jan moved to the farm on Columbiana Road. They attended the Free Methodist Church in New Middletown.
Bill was a member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Club and he and Jan had made four cross country trips on his beloved Honda Gold Wing.
Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a strong work ethic and was a trustworthy friend.
Bill is survived by his wife, Janet, at home; daughter Janice, who helped care for him at home for four months; sons, Jim Shoemaker (fiance Michelle Fani) and Jeff (Lana) Shoemaker, both of New Middletown; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Bonnie Spicher of Michigan; sister, Lois Ferraino of Kittanning, Pa.; and his cat, Wimpy
He is also survived by grandchildren, Christopher (Jamie) Shoemaker, Jimmy Shoemaker, Shawn (Kim) Shoemaker, Misty Shoemaker, Eric Shoemaker, Keri (Mike) Wright, Brittnie Slepski, Erin (Brittany) King and grand-dog, Taz; and great-grandchildren, William James III “Billy” Shoemaker, Christopher Shoemaker II, Harley Shoemaker, Savanna Rose, Kalyssa Shoemaker, Addison Borton, Leya Shoemaker, Parker Shoemaker, Bella King, Kaedence Borton, Chloe King and Sydney King.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his son, William J. “Billy” Shoemaker II in 1986; his granddaughter, Stephanie in 2014; his infant sister, Clara Bell; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Joanie; and his brother-in-law, Fred Ferraino.
Visitation will take place 2 to 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, at Freedom Methodist Church in New Middletown, and 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2020, at the church prior to an 11 a.m. service officiated by Pastors Chris and Shirley Shimel.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to B & J Pools Inc. to assist in the creation of a memorial garden and to give charitably to local organizations.
(special notice)