Carl David Shoemaker

Ascutney, VT – Carl Shoemaker, 88, former longtime resident of Windsor, died Saturday December 30, 2017 at Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Windsor. It was a peaceful passing after spending 2 wonderful days with 18 members of his family for his daughters 60th birthday and Christmas.

He was born June 7, 1929 in Canton, OH a son of Carl and Esther Shoemaker. Carl grew up in Chambersburg, PA before enlisting in the US Army. While serving in Germany, Carl met his future wife and true love, who became his constant companion and confidant in their life adventures, Maria Grosser, they were married June 18, 1954 in Brenerhaven, Germany. After 20+ years of service, the Shoemakers settled in the Windsor area where they have lived since. Upon moving to Vermont he began his second career as general manager of the William Tally House restaurant in White River Jct. where he worked for nearly twenty years before retiring.

Carl loved spending time outdoors with his wife, family, and friends. He was an avid gardener which was a very calming part of his day. Later in life, downhill skiing became a passion with many days spent on Mount Ascutney alongside his grandchildren teaching them to ski. He also enjoyed snowmobiling as a former member of the Windsor Sno-Travlers. Jazz was his favorite genre of music and attended as many festivals as possible. New Orleans Jazz and Burlington Jazz were among his favorites.

Carl always had a passion for traveling. While in the service, Carl and Maria spent many trips exploring Europe with their children. Domestically, they loved exploring national parks and historical sites. When Carl and Maria came back from their trips, he enjoyed regaling people with the meals from his trips.

He was also active in his community as a member of the White River Rotary Club, and volunteered for Dartmouth track and field.

Later in life, the Brotherhood of Masons became an outlet for his civic volunteerism. Brother Carl was a past master of Vt. Lodge #18 F and A M of Windsor. He was a 32nd degree York Rite member and past President of the Windsor Masonic building corporation. Brother Carl previously held the post of Commander of the Windsor Chapter of the Knights Templar.

He was active in the Green Mountain Sojourners Chapter 527. Which he joined in 1995 and became a member of the Heroes of '76 in 1996.

He leaves his wife of 63 years, Maria, of Ascutney, sons Carl Shoemaker and his wife Donna of Merrimack, NH, Peter Shoemaker and his wife Julie of Woodstock, VT, twin daughters Christina Dame of Holbrook, MA and Marietta Smith and her husband Eric of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren Bradley, Lauren, Chelsea, Elliot, Alden, Claudia, Sabrina, Colby, Andrew, and Matthew; five great grandchildren; brothers Alfred and Ronnie Shoemaker both of PA; a sister Donna Staddler also of PA as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother Richard Shoemaker and a sister Eleanor O'Malley.

A visitation will be held Friday January 5th from 4-6pm with a Masonic Service at 6PM at the Knight Funeral Home in Windsor, VT.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Vermont Lodge #18 scholarship fund. 100 Main Street Windsor, Vermont 05089