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BORN
1934
DIED
2021
Charles Shoemaker Obituary
Charlie was born on October 29, 1934 in Indianapolis, IN. Upon graduating from Indiana University NROTC, with a degree in Architecture, he joined the US Navy and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, HI. It was there that he met Gail McKittrick of Catasauqua who would become his wife of 60 years. While he was in the Navy he attained the rank of Captain, ultimately serving over 20 years in the Naval Reserve.
Charlie and Gail settled in the Lehigh Valley and Charlie worked at Wolf & Hahn Architects before joining and becoming a partner at Spillman, Farmer, Shoemaker, Pell & Whildin Architects of Bethlehem, where he worked for over 40 years. He was President of the AIA Documents Committee. Charlie was also very involved with the Allentown Rotary Club for many years, as well as serving as President.
Charlie enjoyed sailing his beloved Lightening sailboat at Lake Nockamixon for years. He also enjoyed their beautiful farmhouse in Shepherd Hills that they shared for 38 years. It was there that he could always be found fixing something, watering his pachysandra or just enjoying an afternoon on the patio.
Charlie will be dearly missed by his wife, Gail, of Country Meadows, and his daughter Ann Mantz and her husband Bob, and his daughter Laurie Key and her husband Nigel, as well as his adored grandchildren Alexandra and Taylor Mantz, and Dylan and Evan Key.
A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Shoemaker
Dan Harrigan
December 31, 2023
Charlie was a fellow Hoosier and I loved working with him!´ a great and wonderful person.!I miss him.
Dan Harrigan
David Wrigley
January 24, 2021
So sorry to hear of Charlie's passing. I worked with Charlie during his later years at Spillman Farmer, and he was a terrific person and mentor. Always ready to discuss things going on in the industry, and to give his educated and well thought-out opinion. Always willing to tell you how they used to do things in the old days. I learned allot from him, and will miss him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time.
Christa Kraftician
January 22, 2021
Charlie will be remembered by all in the architectural community as a great mastermind. We will all miss him.
Capt. David J. Oberholzer USNR (Ret.)
January 22, 2021
I knew Charlie from days in the Naval Reserve. We sometimes carpooled for CO's meetings at Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Charlie was CO of one of the Reserve ships while I was CO of a SAMAR Div. on it. Charlie was a fine officer and a good friend.
Don Rinker
January 21, 2021
A valued friend and co-worker for many years at Spillman Farmer. You could count in him in all weathers. Sail on my friend
Christine Bauder
January 21, 2021
The Allentown Rotary Club sends our condolences to the family of Mr. Shoemaker. He was a long time member of our club, served as President and was a decorated Navy veteran. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Smooth sailing Charlie! Your Rotary friends are thinking of you.
Joe Biondo
January 21, 2021
Rest In Peace my friend! I think about you often. Charlie was a passionate and true gentleman. An architects’ architect! He was extremely knowledgeable- absolutely loved working with him!
Bobbie and Bill Columbo
January 21, 2021
Sorry for your loss, Charlie will be greatly missed by our group. He became an honorary member of our Catasauqua Class of '55 reunion committee. Charlie will be missed dearly. Always had a smile for us.
Sincerely, Cook and Bobbie Columbo
Cook and Bobbie Columbo
January 21, 2021
So sorry for your loss, Charlie was the best friend. He became an Honorary member of our Catasauqua High School Class of '55 reunion committee. We had a lot of laughs with our group and a lot of get togethers. We will miss him dearly. Cook and Bobbie Columbo
Brian & Jean McKittrick
January 21, 2021
Gail, Ann, Laurie, sorry to hear of the passing of you husband and father. Remember the McKittrick get togethers were it was always interesting in listening to Charlies story's of his Navy days. RIP Charlie
January 21, 2021
Thank you for your service to our country.
Rest In Peace.
January 20, 2021
Sir,
Thank You for Your service to our country.
God Bless You!
God be with your family!
Sincerely,
A Grateful US Citizen
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