Born in Newport, a son of Nancy Lavoie of Swansea and the late Albert Shoesmith, he spent his youth in Fall River and lived in Kentucky before moving to Swansea over twenty years ago.
A Veteran of the United States Navy, he worked as a carpenter for many years. He enjoyed walking, sitting on the beach and playing pool with friends.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by one brother, Kevin Shoesmith and his wife Jean of Swansea; one sister, Kim Powers and her partner Edward Bradshaw of Little Rivers, SC; one daughter, Erin Nelson of Westport and several nieces and nephews.
Private arrangements are in the care of the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest
