Joseph A. Shymanski

MONTEREY PENINSULA - Joseph died peacefully at Community Hospital, on Thursday evening, August 13, 2009, with his family by his side. He was born in Racine, the only child of Pearl and Andrew Shymanski (Andrew was born in Wisconsin Rapids, a son of Joseph and Stella Shymanski). He and his loving wife, Dorothea, were both graduates of Washington Jr. High School and William Horlick High School in Racine. As a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather his greatest love was his family. He was a perfect gentleman, bigger than life to his family, and was always an inspiration for the way he chose to live his life as a devout Catholic. Our father exemplified quiet, anonymous generosity, discipline, and a strong spirit, and he was revered by all who knew him. Joseph is survived by their five children, Joan (Matthew) Little, Mary (David) Stornetta, Cecilia 'Cece' (Lawrence) Chazen, Harvey 'Buddy' (Mary) Shymanski, Thomas (Deidre) Shymanski, eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife of sixty-four years, Dorothea Thompson Shymanski. A private family service will take place. Memorial donations may be made to St. Angela's Merici Church, 146 8th Street, Pacific Grove, CA. 93950; Ave Maria Convalescent Hospital, 1249 Josselyn Canyon Road, Monterey, CA. 93940; or The Diocese of Monterey, 425 Church Street, Monterey, CA. 93940. The family would like to thank his friends who survive him. We will treasure the stories he regaled us with of good times and wonderful memories. Our father was a 'man's man,' who knew how to live in the moment. Also, a special thanks to Dr. Craig Christensen and his assistant Pat, and Dr. Michael Galloway, for their committed, kind, and compassionate care. We owe a debt of gratitude to Msgr. Eamon MacMahon.