Paul A. Shoemaker, Jr.

Paul A. “Lefty” Shoemaker, Jr., age 95, formerly of Nutt Road, Phoenixville, PA, entered into rest on Friday, February 17, 2023. He was the devoted husband of the late Helen (Urban) Shoemaker who preceded him in death in 2022.

Born on July 1, 1927 on “Puddler’s Row” near Phoenix Iron Co. at the base of Starr St. Lefty was the son of the late Paul Augustine Shoemaker, Sr. and Anna (Meklos) Shoemaker.

Paul attended St. Ann’s Church and School, then Phoenixville High School, where he played baseball, football and basketball.  During WWII he signed up for the Navy at 15, but was pulled off a ship at the Navy Yard by his Warrant Officer uncle. He enlisted again at 17 and served aboard the USS Macon for two years as a Fire Control Technician. Lefty attended Pennington Academy in New Jersey after the War, then studied Physical Education at West Chester State College. He briefly played Minor League Baseball, then went on to coach American Legion Baseball and umpired at many levels.

Also known as “Shoey”, Paul returned to Phoenixville, where he worked a few years in the Metallurgy Department of Phoenix Steel Mill. Many knew Paul as a Bell Telephone Repairman in and around town where he worked 33 years. He was a volunteer firefighter and member of Phoenix No.1 Hose, Hook and Ladder for 45 years, where he also served as President. His charitable endeavors included working and running Bingo Nights for St. Ann’s and the Firehouse, and terms serving the Town’s Recreation and Parking Committees. He was an active member of the Bell Telephone Pioneers.

St. Joseph’s Parish in Spring City, PA was a loving community for Paul and Helen in their last years in PA. Paul was proud of helping with the construction of the Pavilion there. The Shoemakers spent their last five years on Cape Cod, MA, living closer to their children.

Paul is survived by his daughter, Judy Krassowski of Goffstown, NH; his son, Paul M. Shoemaker and his wife Nancy of West Barnstable, MA; and three grandsons, Drew (and wife Aubin), Nick, and Ross Krassowski. He also leaves his sister, Patricia (Shoemaker) Gnias and her husband Dan of Phoenixville. He is predeceased by his brother John “Jack” Shoemaker and wife Fran of Tallahassee, FL.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass in St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City on Monday, February 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

A visitation will be held in church on Monday from 9:45 until 10:45 a.m.

Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery in Phoenixville.