Troy J. Shoemaker

Troy “J” Shoemaker passed away on September 12, 2022. He was born in Bowie, Texas on May 20, 1931 to Charles Edward Shoemaker and Lucy Jane Troop. Troy joined the United States Navy in 1951. He received basic training in San Diego, CA where he met and later married his wife of nearly 69 years, Beverly H. Mitchell.

Troy devoted his entire life proudly serving his country. During his 30 year career in the US Navy, he served aboard many ships including the destroyers USS KIDD and USS Essex. In 1963 he joined the submarine service where he served aboard the USS Lafayette (SSBN-616) and USS Nathanael Greene (SSBN-636), however one of his proudest moments was being a plank owner of the USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN -633). In May of 1980 he left service from the USN moving onto work at General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard for 10 years.

Upon retirement, a Disabled Veteran himself,  Troy devoted his time to other Disabled Vets. He was a member of the John R. Morse, Chapter 10 of Norwich, CT, DAV State Commander and the President of the United War Veterans Grand Army of the Republic Buckingham Memorial. Troy was the recipient of several medals including the CT Disabled Veterans Lifetime Achievement, Korean War Ambassador for Peace, Korean Presidential, China and United Nations Service medals,  as well as being honored with the “Quilt of Valor”.

Troy is survived by his wife, Beverly, his daughters Deborah Darden and her husband Charles of Franklin, VA and Kimberly Gileau and her husband John of Voluntown, CT. Grandfather to Shannon Webster (Daniel), Jennifer Perrone Murray (Jimmy Don), Kyle (Jessica) Gileau and Madison Gileau.  Great Grandfather to Nolan and Ryan Webster, Carter and Carson Gileau. Troy is predeceased by his daughter, Candice Perrone Shoemaker and grandson Troy Paul Sawyer.

There will be a graveside service at Pachaug Cemetery on September 17, 2022 at 10:30am with military honors.  There will be no calling hours.   The Gagne Piechowski Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements  For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to “Disabled American Veterans Association” online at www.dav.org or by mail P.O.Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.

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