Grover F. Shoemaker

GROVER F. SHOEMAKER, 92 of Hillsdale, N.Y. (Columbia Co.) died on Saturday January 29, 2005 in Gt. Barrington, MA.

He was born on May 13, 1912 in Mohawk, N.Y. the son of the late Ernest C. and Maude (Moyer) Shoemaker.

Mr. Shoemaker graduated from Mohawk High School in 1931, SUNY Cortland in 1936 and later from Syracuse University.

He served with the Army Air Force during World War II and was stationed with the professional baseball special services in Florida, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii and Guam.

Affectionately known as coach to his local communities he taught in Middleville, Dryden, Spencer and Hillsdale, N.Y. until his retirement in 1974. Playing both football and basketball he was best known as a catcher on town and college baseball teams.

Living in Hillsdale from 1950 to the present, he started the Hillsdale, Copake and Ancram area summer recreation programs, initiated the beginning ski program at Catamount Ski area, worked with local boy scouts and the Hillsdale Young Peoples Improvement Committee and was a trustee of the Hillsdale United Methodist Church for many years.

In retirement he helped organize the Knox Trail re-enactment, traveled, made baskets, caned chairs and was dedicated to his home, gardens and family.

Interment and Memorial Services will be held in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Hillsdale United Methodist Church, Hillsdale, N.Y. 12529 or to Dollars for Scholars, c/o Taconic Hills Central School, Craryville N.Y. 12521.

Arrangements are with the Peck and Peck Funeral Home, Route 22, Copake N.Y. 12516. (518) 329 - 2121.

To send an online condolence please visit peckandpeck.net.