Joseph E. Shon

SHON, Joseph E.
Age 94 of Troy, PA, formerly of Elmira, NY passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 after a period of declining health. He was born on July 2, 1915 in Renovo, PA to Francis and Ella (Antel) Shon. His early years were spent in Renovo, and he attended college at St. Francis College in Loretto, PA. September 12, 1940 he enlisted in the Army Air Force, and went to aircraft mechanic school before being sent to Coolidge Field on Antigua (British West Indies) and Losey Field in Puerto Rico, where he was a radio operator on B-25 bombers. While on furlough back in the United States, he married Rita Ellen Hughes on April 18, 1944 at St. Joseph Church in Renovo, and they began their life together. After discharge in 1945, as a Sergeant, they lived in Rapid City as civilians and came East, finally settling in Elmira in 1946 to raise a family that included seven children around the dinner table. Joseph's life always was centered around his family and his faith, with little time for socializing. The majority of his years he worked at Schweizer Aircraft, always coming right home to his home and family, and spending time either with them or tinkering in his cellar workshop on whatever needed done. His time with Rita ended at her death in July 1979, and the years that followed were lonely ones, in spite of his children's efforts. A lifelong friend, Margarita Pedraja filled that loneliness with her quick smile, and on April 26, 1997 they exchanged wedding vows at a large ceremony in Peekskill, NY with family and friends in attendance and amazement. Joe's remaining time with "Daisy" was spent between living in Cape Coral for two years and then moving to their home in Troy, where he resided until his death. In addition to his wife, Margarita, he is survived by a brother, Edward Shon; sisters, Helen and Agnes Shon, all of Elmira; six children and their spouses, Frances Marie Given of Atlanta, GA, Theresa "Terri" (Dennis) Kelley of Troy, Robert (Nancy) Shon of Fair Haven, NY, Mary (Joseph) Wallitt of Elmira, Maureen (Randy) Brimmer of Painted Post, and Michael (Katherine) Shon of Brighton, NY; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his wife, Rita; his son, Kenneth Shon; brothers, William Shon and Thomas Shon and grandson, Alan Kelley. Family and friends are invited to call from 5 to 7 PM Monday, October 19, 2009 at the Gerald W. Vickery, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. 110 West Main Street, Troy, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at St. John's Catholic Church, Exchange & High Streets, Tory, PA with Reverend Martin Boylan as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery, Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials are directed to Feed the Children, P.O. Box 36, Oklahoma City, OK 73101, American Cancer Society, 1948 E. 3rd Street, Williamsport, PA 17701 or to St. John's Catholic Church, 24 N. Washington St. Canton, PA 17724.