John G.T. Shoaf

"There was a man sent from God whose name was John." (John 1:6)
John Geary Thomas Shoaf was called to his eternal home on October 28, 2025, at the age of 86. Born the New Year's baby at 12:20am on the first day of 1939 at City Hospital, Roosevelt Island, in the bustling city of Manhattan, NY, John's journey through life was one marked by resilience and faith. His final days were spent surrounded by the love and care of his family in New Britain, CT.
John's father was killed in a car accident when he was an infant, and he was cared for at The Gilbert Children's Home orphanage in Winsted, CT for five years until his faithful mother was finally able to bring him home to care for him when she remarried. His formative years thereafter were spent in upstate "Cronk's Corners," NY, near Barnes Corners, on Fuller Farm, a small dairy farm where he attended grammar school to the 8th grade. His early education on the farm laid the foundation for the strong values he carried throughout his life. A patriot at heart, John served his country with honor and distinction in the Marine Corps. The discipline and camaraderie he found in the service were a source of pride that shaped him into the man who would later become a husband and father with the best of intentions for his family.
Unfortunately, during marriage, John made many mistakes which would leave him a homeless veteran for decades. He learned first-hand during these hard times the realities of the spiritual war we all face and the horrific cost of human sin. John faced extreme challenges on the streets, but his resilience, the love and prayers of his family, and God's abundant mercy eventually took hold. It was during this time the son he never knew growing up found him, through many miracles, and together they began a new chapter. One where John rediscovered his Christian faith which provided him with a sense of hope, strength, and destiny. Jesus and family became the center of his world again.
John is survived by his son, Michael, and daughter-in-law, Maria, who blessed him with three cherished granddaughters: Cassia, Chloe, and Hannah-Micayla Shoaf; his treasured daughter, Diane (Shoaf) Guinan, son-in-law Daniel Guinan, and their precious children, Danielle, Kara, and Kevin, who always held a special place in his heart, as did his step-daughter, Dr. Patricia (Charanian) Youngquist, her husband Donn W. and their family; John's beloved sisters, Dale Fuller and Faune (Fuller) Gerber, along with brother-in-law Armin Gerber; and his nieces and nephew, Brian, Rebecca, and Julianne, who will remember him with fondness and love. He was predeceased by his father, James David Shoaf, stepfather, Louis Daniel Fuller, a wonderful praying mother, Beulah May (Tallman/Shoaf) Fuller, and his adored little brother, Daniel Fuller. Also, his devoted saint of a wife, Kathleen "Kay" (Egan/Charanian) Shoaf, who raised their family in selfless amazing love as a single mother with the blessing and help of her magnificent Irish immigrant parents, Patrick and Bridget (Garvey) Egan.
John's interests the last 25 years of his life were simple yet profound. He found joy in breaking bread with others, going to movies, seeing his sister, Dale, and granddaughters, Cassia, Chloe, and Hannah-Micayla, getting outside in the creation, listening to the Bible, and attending church to hear his only son proclaim the gospel of God. His involvement in the life of the church was not just a pastime but a deep commitment to his faith. John was a loving, funny, and kind soul, always ready with a smile or a comforting word. His laughter was a balm to those around him, and his gentle kindness at the end of his life, a living testament to the grace and power of God.
As we reflect on John's life, we are reminded of the terrific costs of human sins yet also the good news of the redemptive power of Jesus's salvation for all who make him Lord. All things are possible to those who believe. Jesus will rescue anyone and everyone who calls upon his glorious name. John walked through the darkest valleys in his lifetime, yet God delivered him from them all. In the end, Abba brought a homeless man, home.
Thus, dad's legacy today is one of love, humor, and forgiveness. He touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. As we say our earthly goodbyes, we take solace in the fact that John is now at peace, in his right mind, wrapped in the loving embrace of his Creator. His memory will be cherished, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever. His challenge to us today is that we will follow Jesus in our lives, as well. To turn from our sins, to be forgiven, and to forgive. In the end, John G.T. Shoaf lived up to the purpose for which he was sent, the same as his biblical namesake, John the Baptist: "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord." (John 1:23). Amen. Shalom. Rest in peace, sweet father, brother, son, and friend, until we meet again.
A calling hour will be Friday, November 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford, followed by an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be 12:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery, 770 1st Avenue, West Haven.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts be made in John G.T. Shoaf's name and honor to Christian ministries which serve the homeless and our nation's veterans with the love of God. Three of the family's favorites are The Street Church, a church on the streets of Hartford to the homeless, begun and led by a childhood neighbor of John's son, Michael, as well as The Mighty Oaks Foundation, which does miraculous work being God's warriors for our nation's warriors. Also, First Loved Ministries led by dear friend Dr. Mark Gordon Fee helping whosoever will understand how loved we are by God! May our Lord bless your gifts in John G.T. Shoaf's honor to your favorite ministries serving the homeless and our nation's veterans! Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com