Gerard Joseph (“Chuck”) Shoemaker

It is with great sadness that the family of Gerard (Chuck) announce his passing at age 88 on February 10, 2018. ‎Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Maurina ("Rina"), his children Gerard ( Michelle) , Laura (Tom) and John (Stacey) , his nine grandchildren ( Thomas, Lauren, Joseph, Madelaine, Kate, Daniel, Owen, Luke and Ben) who were his pride and joy and his sister June and brother Ron.

Born on October 31, 1929 in Kitchener, Chuck was one of eleven children born into a hard-working and Catholic family. Chuck's mother and father owned and operated Shoemaker's A and P Groceteria on Victoria Street where Chuck learned the meat business from farm to kitchen table as he accompanied his father throughout Waterloo Region to source and slaughter the best cuts of meat to serve the large and loyal clientele of the family business. This experience served Chuck well as he later completed the required training to become a Federal meat inspector with the Department of Agriculture. Chuck worked at Schneider Meats for most of his career, where he met his wife Rina. Together they purchased a home in Stanley Park, Kitchener, to raise their family and provide a warm and loving home for their children and growing numbers of precious grandchildren. Birthday and holiday celebrations, lazy summer days in the backyard pool and wonderful barbeques with Chuck, affectionately known as "Bop" by his grandchildren. As the meat and barbecue expert, he provided wonderful times and cherished memories for the entire family. Chuck would do anything for his children and grandchildren. At every game and performance Chuck was always there to lend his support and salute the effort, regardless of the outcome. Many were the road trips for games, performances and competitions where Chuck served as chauffeur and number one fan for his family. His children and grandchildren were the lucky beneficiaries of the unceasing efforts and support of their gentle and loving father and grandfather.

Chuck was a devout man of faith who attended mass on a daily basis in his retirement years. ‎He attended and assisted in church services his entire life and instilled in his family the importance of faith and service in a life well lived. Chuck's wit, kindness, enduring faith and love of family will be missed by all who knew him and honoured by his loving family.

Visitation at Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener will take place on Friday, February 16, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Parish prayers at 8:45 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony Daniel Church, 29 Midland Drive, Kitchener on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Life Center. Cremation has taken place.

The family would like to thank the professional and extraordinarily kind staff at Chartwell Westmount Long Term Care Residence who provided Chuck with exemplary care over the past year. In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Vincent de Paul -St. Anthony Daniel or the Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation would be appreciated by the family.