Glen A. Shoesmith

Glen A. Shoesmith, age 76, of Swansea, MA passed away peacefully on Monday, September 5, 2011 at St. Anne’s Hospital, following a brief illness. He was the husband of Ann L. (Miller) Shoesmith, formerly of Fitchburg, MA. They observed their 33rd wedding anniversary on July 30, 2011. Glen was born in Fall River, the son of Eunice(Williams) and Albert Shoesmith, longtime area residents who wintered in Ace Capaders Park, Lithia, FL.

Mr. Shoesmith graduated from the former Diman Vocational High School, class of 1954.His yearbook quotation proved to be accurate: “Just to meet him is to like him.” In 1964 he received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southeastern Massachusetts Technology Institute, and taught at Henry Lord Middle School, followed by teaching special needs at BMC Durfee High School. He retired after 34 years in the Fall River School System. While employed, he was President of the Fall River Educators Association for 6 years and was also a former president of the Bristol County Teachers Association. He worked, as well, as a part-time negotiator for the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

Mr. Shoesmith served 4 years active military with the U.S. Navy during the late 50’s, then joining the Navy Reserves serving mostly out of the North Weymouth Naval Station and then the Newport, Rhode Island Navy Base, serving on such ships as the U.S.S. Perry, the Miller, and the Desmoines. He retired after 30+years with the rank of OS1.

A proud member of his military career, he served as a past commander of Amvets Post #60, Fall River, as well as on its scholarship committee. He was currently a member of the Fall River Elks, The American Legion, post 303, Swansea and the Area Fleet Reserve Association, having been recently awarded his 15 year certificate. He also was a past member of the Fall River Veterans War Council.

From 1965-1985, Mr. Shoesmith was the owner and diving instructor of the Massachusetts School of Skin and Scuba Diving.

He was presently the owner of G’s Home Service: Lawn Care and Clean Up, for well over 20 years.

Glen’s other long-time affiliations were as a member of the National Rifle Association, a proud supporter of the Republican National Party and an active member of the Associated German Societies of New England, specifically, the Deutsche Kulturverein of Bristol, County, MA (German Cultural Society), having joined one year after its founding 26 years ago. He served as its president for 4 years, 2005-2009. Besides serving on its many committees, he and his wife marched in over 15 Steuben Day Parades on 5th Avenue in New York City. Mr. Shoesmith also belonged to the Noquochoke Masonic Lodge Westport.

Mr. and Mrs. Shoesmith enjoyed winter into spring trips south in their 35 foot R.V., spending time visiting many friends and relatives, with several weeks in the Tallahassee and Pensacola areas and the Gulf Shores of Alabama. They also spent a week each spring at the Village of Winnepesaukee time share in New Hampshire.

Beside his wife Ann, Mr. Shoesmith is survived by two children; Michelle Cote and her husband Wayne and son Darrell Shoesmith, all of Swansea. Mr. Shoesmith was predeceased in 2010 by his daughter, Robyn, of Tallahassee, FL. He also leaves four grandchildren; Eric Aubin of Fall River, Nicole Cote, Danielle Shoesmith and Jacob Shoesmith, all of Swansea and several young great grandchildren. On his wife’s side, he leaves a brother and sister-in-law: Charles F. Miller II and Denise C. Miller of Holden, MA, a niece; Katherine A. Malinowski of Fitchburg, MA, a nephew; Charles F. Miller, III of Lunenburg, MA and 3 grand nephews. Mr. Shoesmith also leaves a vast array of friends and extended family that enjoyed him and he them especially for special occasions. His only cousins, 3 “girls,” were among his favorite family! Many referred to him as a “one of a kind “and others with his endeared nickname “Shoe” or Shoey! A talented crafter, repairmen, “people” person, and as a tall, strong, vocally heard man with a great laugh, he will always be remembered and greatly missed; mostly, forever loved!

His funeral Service will be Monday, September 12, 2011 at 11am in the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea. Visiting hours Sunday, September 11, 2011 from 5-8pm and Monday, September 12, 2011 from 10-11am, prior to the funeral service. Burial will be private at a later date. A noon time collation will follow at the Fall River Lodge of Elks, 4500 North Main Street. Donations may be made in Mr. Shoesmith’s name to: The American Cancer Society-MA Division, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to The Fall River Elks Rackey Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 270, Fall River, MA 02722.