John R. Shoemaker Jr.

John Reid Shoemaker Jr., of Cazenovia, passed away peacefully at home on September 24th. His family and friends will remember him for his kindness, warmth, and gentle spirit.
Born in Amherst, NY on May 10, 1957, John spent the summers of his youth at his family cottage on Silver Lake with his sisters. Those early years instilled in him a deep appreciation for nature, water, and moments outdoors - threads that remained constant throughout his life.
Though he lost his parents and younger sister, Laurie, early in life, John went on to build an extended family in the world around him, nurturing friendships and raising a succession of very good dogs along the way.
John received his BA from Oswego State University, graduating with the class of 1979. He had deep connections with his fellow brothers of the Sigma Gamma fraternity and served as the President of the house during his senior year. He would make a point to reunite with his brothers every year and their friendships remained absolute to him.
After graduation, John moved to Syracuse, where for two decades he created a vast network of friendships, all the while building his career, first as a partner in an advertising firm and then in finance. Beginning in 1989, John began working in the securities industry with Shearson Lehman and was in the enviable position of having a career that he truly loved.
From 1993 until his death, he worked with Leigh Baldwin & Company in Cazenovia, forming lifelong relationships with both his clients and reps, and with his close-knit home office extended family. His calm demeanor, ever present integrity, and knowledge of the markets will be sorely missed - and will continue to serve as an example for the next generation of financial professionals he mentored.
In his forties, John moved to Cazenovia, and the town quickly adopted him as their own. He made close friends easily and, from his daily village walks with one of his beagles, to rounds of golf with the guys, to his perch at Caz Pizza, John became part of the community fabric. A real sadness is being felt by the people that John knew throughout his life.
He never lost a game of "name that tune" and he enjoyed a good conversation, any sporting event, a pint of beer, and his many trips to Pebble Beach, Hilton Head, and Saratoga. Most of all, he enjoyed the people he was surrounded by and his four-legged friends.
John is survived by his beloved beagle, Billy; his sisters, Margot Shoemaker of Buffalo, NY, and Susan Alefantis of McLean, Va.; his nieces and nephews, Daniel Miller (Shannon Roberts Miller), Anna Miller (Diego Castillo Brieva), and Alexander Miller, children of Margot, and Louis John Alefantis (Shari Dow) and James Alefantis, children of Susan; as well as five great-nieces and -nephews, and three great-great-nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents, John Reid Shoemaker Sr. and Margaret Strand Shoemaker; his dear sister, Laurie Shoemaker; and three good dogs. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
Those who knew John are invited to join us to remember him from 11am - 1pm on Saturday, October 25 at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Road, Manlius. A reception will follow at two of John's favorite places: 64 Albany and Caz Pizza.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the CNY SPCA.
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