Robert Truswell Shoemaker

In loving memory of Robert (Bob) Truswell Shoemaker, who passed away at the age of 83, on October 30, 2024, at Inova Hospital in Fairfax, Virginia. He was a devoted father, husband, grandfather, brother, friend and a proud veteran. Bob was born on February 27, 1941 in Little Silver, New Jersey. Growing up in Little Silver, he and his younger brother Allen, were raised by their mother and father, Jeanette and Benjamin Shoemaker. His passion for baseball, childhood friendships and love for his family defined much of his early life. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force for four years, embodying honor and duty until his honorable discharge in 1967. Married to his first wife Edith Dawson in 1970, he spent many years working as an insurance agent for New York Life Insurance company, as they raised their four children, Jennifer, Scott, Steve and Kelly in Rockville, Maryland. Throughout his life, his two favorite pastimes were reading about our nation’s history and watching baseball, which gave him such joy. His warmth and humor touched many lives, and he was a source of strength for friends and family alike. His beloved legacy lives on through his children, Jennifer Levine, Robert (Scott) Shoemaker, Kelly Stevens, his brother Allen Shoemaker, his cherished 6 grandchildren, as well his second wife of 19 years, Mary (Mimi) Rascoll Shoemaker and the Rascoll family and her 8 grandchildren, who he loved dearly. In the last years of his life, Bob and Mimi enjoyed a happy retired life at their home in Springfield, Virginia. 

We invite you to join us at his memorial service on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11 am to 12 noon at Nativity Catholic Church in Burke, Virginia located at 6400 Nativity Lane. Bob will be laid to rest at Rockville Cemetery immediately following the service. After which we invite family and friends to join us for a gathering to celebrate his life, sharing stories and memories in his honor. As Bob was a devoted Nationals Baseball fan and loved coaching youth baseball, in lieu of flowers, we ask you to consider making a donation in his memory to the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy. This academy has positively impacted over 6,000 youth in D.C., fostering their development and achievements. Donations can be made at: https://www.nats4good.org/youth-baseball-academy/

We find comfort in knowing his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever. Let us come together to cherish the memory of Bob and celebrate his life.