- 11144 Warwick Boulevard • Newport News, VA 23601
- Follow Us
Obituaries
Richard Shoemaker
Richard A. Shoemaker II, 64, of Newport News, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023, of sudden cardiac arrest after completing a 5k race in Williamsburg, Virginia.
He was a long-time Newport News resident and a staple in the Beechwood/Denbigh neighborhood. Richard was a graduate of Denbigh High School, Class of 1977, and the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School. He had been a Newport News Shipbuilding employee since graduating as an Electrician Apprentice.
Richard had spent many years coaching and mentoring youth sports in the various Denbigh sports leagues. (Wrestling, Football, Baseball, Basketball). He had recently retired after almost 45 years as a devoted Shipyard employee. Richard was enjoying his life of retirement, being a loving father, grandfather, runner, and friend while also volunteering at the Lafayette Gun Club.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Shoemaker, mother, Carol Shoemaker, and brother, David Shoemaker. He is survived by his children, Richard Shoemaker III (Jamie), Matthew Shoemaker (Allie), and daughter Lauren Turner. ); his grandchildren Taylor Shoemaker, Addy Shoemaker, Liam Shoemaker, Nolan Shoemaker, and Jett Shoemaker; his siblings Jennifer Ardis (Jon) and Stephanie Smith (Michael); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed by his neighborhood family, his running community, and everyone whose life he has touched.
In honor of Richard’s memory, we will have a memorial gathering at the Beechwood Recreation Association Clubhouse on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 12:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. The Beechwood Clubhouse is located at 903 Colleen Dr, Newport News, VA 23608. This is to be more of an informal gathering to share stories and remember Richard. Feel free to come, share stories with friends and family, and go as needed.
Please, in lieu of flowers, consider making any type of donation to the DAV (help.dav.org). Richard was an avid supporter and long-time customer of the DAV.
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home
9 Comments
Richard was wonderful gentleman. I looked forward to seeing him on my morning walks with my dog. He bought a oil painting from my husband years ago. God Bless!
I love this man.
I’ll miss him dearly.
Aww I will miss him on Facebook! May God bless you and your family.
Praying for all of you! 🙏❤️
The word neighbor doesn’t do justice to how we felt about you. Love you brother. You’ll be missed every day. Thank you for always being there for me and my family. I’ll see you again my friend.
I will continue to send you music!!!
I know you would love to run too!!!
I’m already missing your replies!!!!!!
You were many things to so many people. Brother, dad, uncle, grandpa, and friend. Thank You being my rock and savior. I will miss our talks, your smile, your crazy hair, and your goofy humor. Until we met again. So much love for you.
Richard was a very good neighbor and friend to my parents . As my parents aged and health declined,he would put the News paper on the porch along with rolling there trash can to street without being asked. My parents had the best neighbors and Richard will truly be missed. Hugs to Dickie Mathew and Lauren. (Mr.Johnnys daughter) boys your old morning babysitter. Karen Wilcox
We will miss our friend and former team mate “Dickie” Shoemaker. His passing has left us stunned and sad. He was a great wrestler, competitor, but most of all our friend. We will miss his spirit, sense of humor, his corney jokes :), and sly smile. God bless you Richard. Heartfelt condolences to the Shoemaker family.
Eric & Paul Kreitz