Robert “Bob” E. Shoemaker, age 79, of Orrstown, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 6, 2021 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on his annual trek to his favorite destination, Florida, with his wife, Constance “Connie” Shoemaker. He was born November 23, 1941 in Amberson, PA, the son of the late Martha (Shoemaker) Gursky and step-father, Julius Gursky.

Bob was an avid race fan and spent part of his youth working on and driving race cars on local tracks. He was a 50+ year member of Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Department and served as Chief Engineer for the past several years. Before retiring in 2012, he worked as a mechanic at Stouffer’s Garage for 27 years and then as an OTR Driver for Cressler Trucking in Shippensburg. A loving father and grandfather, Bob always made new friends wherever he went. He possessed the unique ability to talk and befriend almost everyone he met. He was an active member of the PA Motor Truck Association and volunteer as a safety trainer for Federal DOT as well as with local police departments.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Constance A. (Starliper) Shoemaker of Orrstown; brother, Ted and his wife, Jeanne Gursky of Greenville; sister, Nancy Gursky of Greenville; five children, Patricia Schaffer of Shippensburg, Rick and his wife, Elizabeth Shoemaker of Bloserville, Bobbi and her husband, Ralph Norcross of Chambersburg, Tim and his wife, Tawnya Burkholder of Shippensburg and Traci and her husband, Vernon Johnston of Mechanicsburg; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. As an avid dog lover, he is also survived by his two remaining fur babies, Madison and Puddles. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Gursky and son, Robert “Bobby” Shoemaker.

Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., Shippensburg. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 16 at 11:00 AM at Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg with Pastor Christopher Frye officiating. A Public Viewing will be held from 2 – 4 PM and 6 – 8 PM on Monday, February 15 at the funeral home and Tuesday, February 16 from 10:00 AM until time of services. Interment will be held in Lurgan Cemetery.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and for the safety of all in attendance, those attending are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing as much as possible. The Shoemaker family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the ambulance service and staff at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton, NC and the staff at UNC Chapel Hill, NC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Pleasant Hall Volunteer Fire Department, 9722 Cumberland Highway, PO Box 115, Pleasant Hall, PA 17246.