Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1955

DIED

2019

FUNERAL HOME

Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home - Olean

3128 Route 417 W

Olean, New York

Neil Shoemaker Obituary

OLEAN - Neil Shoemaker, 63, of 113 Oak St., passed away peacefully at his home Monday (May 6, 2019) after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Born Dec. 15, 1955, in Olean, he was the son of Montgomery and Helen Davis Shoemaker. On Aug. 7, 1982, at St. Philomena Church in Franklinville, he married Michelle Russell, who survives.

Mr. Shoemaker was a 1975 graduate of Archbishop Walsh High School. He was the owner and operator of Russell-Shoemaker Heating, Plumbing and Electric in Franklinville until his retirement in 2009.

He was a dedicated man to the community and served along with others in various organizations. Mr. Shoemaker could often be seen lending a helping hand at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels for their bereavement committee and the annual festival. He was also involved in helping the Archbishop Walsh Sports Boosters and Olean Track and Field. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and The Knights of Columbus.

In his free time, he would also enjoy watching Notre Dame athletics, the New York Yankees and the Green Bay Packers. He was a true holiday man with Christmas being his favorite of the seasons. He enjoyed telling stories and cooking for all his family and friends.

Mr. Shoemaker was a man who was devoted to his faith. His infectious personality will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He thought the world of his children and his family was always first priority.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife, are five children, Kaitlin (Andrew) Kilroy, Elise ( Brendan) Barthel, Ariel ( Michael) Wittmer, Neil (Rachel Barry) Shoemaker and Montgomery Shoemaker; two grandchildren, Everett Herbeck and "Little" Neil Shoemaker; five siblings, Suzi, Nancy, Monty, Alecia and Barbara; and several nieces and nephews. He was excited for the arrival of his third grandchild, "Baby Barthel" in October.

He was predeceased by one sister, Katie Kreydt on April 26, 2019.

Friends and family will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday (May 10, 2019) at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home, 3128 W. State Road, Olean. A prayer service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday (May 11, 2019) at the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to Roswell Park Cancer Institute, 665 Elm St., Buffalo, NY 14203; or to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels.

Online condolences may be expressed at oleanfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Olean Times Herald on May 8, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Shoemaker

Not sure what to say?





Sylvia

May 7, 2025

Your family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of your passing 6 years ago (5-6-19) Sylvia

Sylvia

May 6, 2024

In loving memory of a childhood friend on the 5th anniversary of your passing. May your family and friends find comfort in the love and joy that they shared with you.

May 2, 2021

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Sylvia Hendryx

Sylvia Hendryx

May 6, 2020

On the one year anniversary of your death Neil, may your family and friends continue to find comfort in the loving times and chersished memories they have of you.

Col. Gene Daniels, USMC Retired

May 12, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Neil's passing, he was a passionate individual and a great friend.

Katie Rippel

May 10, 2019

RIP Neil...you were a good man who will be missed....Prayers for you Mitchie and all you Kids and Grandkids...many memories as a friend and neighbor... Praying for Peace for your family...He will always be with you

Jo Schweitzer

May 9, 2019

Dear Kaitlin, Ariel & Mike,

I'm sorry for your loss.
May your fondest memories of your father & father-in-law last the longest.

Sincerely,
Jo Schweitzer
UB Occupational Therapy Program

Suzanne Shoemaker

May 9, 2019

Neil was my baby brother-recall Mom&Dad arriving hm. on 26th On Christmas eve with our new family addition-They handed Neil to me to hold. We had our differences but I loved him--glad he is at peace with our sister "Katie" and Mom and Dad-- suzzy

May 9, 2019

wonderful man! When I lived that way he was SOOOO nice! Sorry to family and friends!

Barb Andrus

May 9, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! ❤

Mary Gergel

May 9, 2019

God certainly wanted an angel! May He bless you at your time of loss and may you know that Neil loved you too much not to be watching over you always.

Cherished Friend Bouquet- VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Loving Light Dishgarden

Lucinda Carter

Sent Flowers

Julia Shaffer & Family

May 8, 2019

So sorry to hear about Neil. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. RIP

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Mary Kay Tambash

May 8, 2019

I am truly saddened at Neils unexpected passing. I am so pleased that I saw him at morning mass and was able to talk and laugh with him and give him a hug. He will be remembered and missed by many. My prayers are with all his children and Mitchi for strength and comfort

Julie Mikolajczyk

May 8, 2019

Michele I'm am so sorry for your loss you and your family will be in my prayers. May God bless you and comfort you at this time!

Elijah Ramadhan

May 8, 2019

We are so sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you.

Ray Sader

May 8, 2019

We are sorry to hear of Neil's passing. He was a great help in our Cuba Lake neighborhood when we needed a fine plumber.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ray and Jane Sader

Joe Holly

May 8, 2019

Neil you will be in our prayers rest in peace

Joe Holly

May 8, 2019

Neil you will be in our prayers rest in peace

Marge York/Ruding

May 8, 2019

I'm sorry to hear of Neil's passing. I will always remember him from the West River Road when he was a young boy/teenager.

Sylvia Hendryx

May 8, 2019

So sorry to hear if Neil's passing. He was a wonderful man who loved his family and friends.

Mark Lippert

May 8, 2019

Monty,
I was so sorry to hear that Neil passed. His smile will be missed by everyone.

Monica Betush

May 8, 2019

Meech- I am so sorry to hear of Neil's passing!! He was such a sweet guy!! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!!!

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results

Make a Donation
in Neil Shoemaker's name

Memorial Events
for Neil Shoemaker

May

10

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home - Olean

3128 Route 417 W, Olean, NY 14760

May

11

Prayer Service

9:30 a.m.

Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home - Olean

3128 Route 417 W, Olean, NY 14760

May

11

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels

Olean, NY

Funeral services provided by:

Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home - Olean

3128 Route 417 W, Olean, NY 14760

How to support Neil's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Neil Shoemaker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more