Wesley John Shoemaker

Norwich - On Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, Wesley John Shoemaker, 48, reached his eternal resting place.
Wesley was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on February 9, 1976. He and his beloved mother, Cathleen, moved to CT where he would spend most of his life, in Norwich. Wes attended the Norwich Public School System and graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1994.
Wes worked in the restaurant business, was a dealer at Mohegan Sun, a pharmacy technician at CVS, and then owned his own eBay auction store. Upon the arrival of his daughter, Khloee, Wes decided to move into his career at Foxwoods as an engineering maintenance mechanic. Wes remained at Foxwoods for 10 years and was very dedicated to his job. His family will never forget the help they received, through some very tough times from the Foxwoods Engineering family and Local Engineers Union. Wes was a very handy guy and was always eager to learn more about the hobbies that intrigued him. He enjoyed figuring out how things worked and fixing them- cars and electronics, are just to name a few. Wes had a love for building things in the wood shop at work- a hobby he picked up from his grandfather, Wallace "Bud" Duerr, whom had a wood shop at his home on Laurel Hill in Norwich, during Wes's childhood. Also, during those years, Wes was also very involved in BMX racing, thanks to his Uncle Jim. He would often describe his childhood as, "the best days" and was always so grateful for his Uncle taking him under his wing.
Wes was a history buff, music lover, an avid sports fan, and collector of many different things, including sports cards and memorabilia. You could always catch Wes playing basketball on the courts with his friends, or sitting at the sports bar taking over the jukebox, usually watching a Vikings game or pretty much ANY game. He was always challenging his friends with his knowledge of music, sports and statistics, and hitting them with his quick-witted humor. His love for the Minnesota Vikings, and the Detroit Pistons was always prevalent to those who knew him. His love for sports carried on into his family life, where he spent many years volunteering and coaching for his children, in various sports. Wes assisted and coached for the kids' soccer and basketball teams and was also a dedicated coach for the Norwich Youth Football League.
Wesley's greatest accomplishment in life, was bringing his two beloved daughters, Kennady Starr, and Khloee Elizabeth, into the world. He also had the pleasure of raising his two step children, Kellsea and Kristofer Blackburn. His love and pride for all of them, will always be remembered and carried on, by those in their lives.
Wesley was predeceased by his mother, Cathleen Shoemaker. He is survived by his daughters, Kennady Starr Brown and Khloee Elizabeth Shoemaker.
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made directly to his daughter, Khloee, via Venmo: www.venmo.com/khloeeshoemaker
All donations will be used for a celebration of life and related expenses.
Wesley will be laid to rest by his family members, during a private ceremony.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, from 1-3pm, at Woyasz & Son Funeral Home, 141 Central Ave, Norwich, CT.
A celebration of life will be held afterwards, from 4-7pm, at the Harp & Dragon in Norwich CT.