Dr. George ????ick???? R. Shoemaker, Jr., Edinboro University Professor, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 17, 2013 in Buffalo, New York at the age of 77.
Dick was born on March 25, 1936 in St. Louis, Missouri. Dick, the first son of the late George R. Shoemaker and Helen Shoemaker, grew up in Webster Groves, MO with his brother Jim. Dick attended Webster Groves High School then attended the University of Missouri with his brother, where he earned a B.S. in Business, an M.Ed. in Art Education, and an Ed.D. in Education. During this time he enjoyed photography, was active in Sigma Phi Epsilon, and served in the U.S. Army. Dick married Ruth Ellen Brown on September 13, 1969.
Dick was an Art Professor at the University of Wisconsin in Whitewater and Miami University of Ohio before joining Edinboro University in 1970, where he also became Chairman of the Art Department and Dean of Arts and Humanities. He specialized in photography, paper making, and weaving; retiring in 2002, after 32 years.
Dick was a man of many hobbies and interests. He loved the outdoors and national parks. He enjoyed such activities as backpacking, tennis, cycling, and skiing. He was an avid golfer, shooting under par in 2004 and had a hole-in-one in 2007. More recently, he enjoyed barbecue cooking and genealogy.
Dick is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ruth, of Orchard Park, NY; daughter Jennifer (Michael) Cassidy of Hamburg, NY; granddaughter Camille; niece Helen (Chris) Shoemaker of Boston, MA; nephew James Shoemaker of Madison, WI. He was preceded in death by his brother, and close friend, Jim of Pullman, WA.
The Shoemaker Family will receive friends during visiting hours at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home, 306 Erie Street, Edinboro, PA on Saturday, September 21, from 1-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Education Institute, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44195.
Our deepest sympathy1 Jim and Mary wolf former superintendant of fort Le Beouf schools.
To the Shoemaker family,
I worked with Dick in the Art Department for 10 years, and in that time, we became friends and colleagues. He was a an important member of our department; I always valued his mentorship and his insights. My sincerest condolences on your loss.
Sincerely,
Mark Deka
Ruth…
We were truly saddened when we learned of Dick’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this time of sadness. Please know we are here if there is anything we can do to help.
Regards,
Budd & Carol
Ruth…I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your husband. I’m wanting to send you a card but was surprised to find you have moved to NYS. Please know that my thoughts are with you and your daughter and family at this sad time.
Most Sincerely…Muffi Mascaro
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Shoemaker’s passing. I was a weaving fiber major and he was my advisor. He was a kind man and shared his daily photos of his daughter Jennifer. He trully was a family man. He will be missed I am sure. God Bless