John J. Shoemaker
August 21, 1949 - May 20, 2026
John J. Shoemaker, age 76, of Bear, DE, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Born in Hancock, MD on August 21, 1949, he was a son of the late Ralph B. and Beulah (Johnson) Shoemaker. John proudly served in the United States Army. He made his career as a motor equipment operator II at New Castle County Public Works. John’s exceptional work ethic spanned 58 years of service; he began working for the county in November of 1968 until his passing.
John found happiness in the simple things, like mowing his grass and enjoying the outdoors. He also loved going to auctions to find his next antique. Most of all, John enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Leon Shoemaker; sister, Wilma Jean Peck; longtime companion, Bonny Jackson; and childhood best friend, Donald Smith. He is survived by his children, Lance Shoemaker (Emily) and Jodi Connor; step-son, Michael L. Jackson (Jessica); cherished granddaughter, Baylee Shoemaker; siblings, Mary Ann Walls (Bob), Keith Shoemaker (Ginny), and Brenda Callaway (Jimmy); and close friend, Cathleen Boyer.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:30 am until 11:30 am on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 11:30 am. A committal service will follow in the chapel of Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or online by clicking here.
Joseph E. Brown
Condolences to the family, John was the first person I worked with in N. C. C.
He was a person I considered a very good
FRIEND and I’m sure he will be sadly missed. C.U. Later EL…….
CARLOS COLLAZO
RIP, good friend. It was fun working together until we met again behind the wheel, up top.
Michelle A Dilley
Naw, Shoe…you will be missed. My deepest sympathies for your family. R.I.P. 😢🙏🏻✝️
Jesse Hedrick
My condolences and prayers to John’s family and friends. He was a good man that seemed to enjoy working on equipment and repairing things. Rest in peace John and say hello to my dad for me.
Sandra Grinnage@
Rest in peace
Bob Kowalski
Hey bub, I’ll see you at that big flea market in the sky. Now you can finally retire. I’ll miss you at the market and all the regulars send their condolences to your family.
Marc Klinefelter
My condolences to the family. John is a good man and he will be missed.
Johni Joa Connor
Dad I am sorry that we couldn’t get back on track faster than we did. I am glad that you became part of my life again. Unfortunately we let too many years pass by and I will always regret that. I know you were a good man and I will always feel your blood running through my veins. You have always been in my heart and I wish we would have had more time. I am happy to know that you knew I cared about you. I know that you understood everything that I went through. I will always love you and I know you are in a better place. See you on the other side. Love your daughter Johni Joa.
Patricia Breitenbach
Dear Lance and family, what a wonderful neighbor John has been all these years. We are so so sorry for your loss.
Love and prayers.
Patricia Breitenbach and family
Jim Hill
We are very saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was one of our favorite people here at the auction. Always had good conversations with him and he had many friends here. He will be very missed. Prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time. Jim and Jill Hill & the staff at Hill’s Auction.
Joseph G. Weaver Jr.
John. I remember you always coming to work and you sitting and reading the paper. Very Pleasant and a Good morning. Will be Missed by myself and certainly the citizens he served in new Castle County. John was Unique!
Karen Brenwalt
Keith, condolences on the loss of your brother. Hang onto the memories 🙏🏻
Michelle A Dilley
I met John thru my boyfriend, at the time, Jon. They were partners at NCC. I instantly found a lifetime friend with him. John will be so so missed.
Audrey Hope-Milton
Prayers of comfort to John’s family as he has received his heavenly reward. John was a great co-worker and will be missed.
I will remember all the laughter we shared.
Rest well until we meet again my friend….