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Michael Edward "Pap" "Whiffer" Shoemaker

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | January 07, 2026

Michael Edward "Pap" "Whiffer" Shoemaker, 61, of West Elizabeth, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026. He was born June 19, 1964 in New Eagle and was the son of the late James Benjamin Shoemaker, Sr. and the late Luella Virginia (Werner) Shoemaker. After graduating from high school, He spent many years working as a skilled carpenter with High Performance Builders and also lent his talents to landscaping work. He loved to build and create things. Pap was a simple man with a rich spirit. He found joy in riding his Harley, tending to his gardens filled with flowers and vegetables, and spending time outdoors. A true outdoorsman, he loved hunting and fishing at the family camp in Huntingdon County. He was a diehard Pittsburgh Steelers fan, had a love for Ford Mustangs, and was always quick with a wise crack or a joke that left everyone laughing. He was known for his generosity and heart of gold, Pap would help anyone who needed it, no questions asked. But above all else, he cherished his family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family deeply. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Lorri Ann (Faux) Shoemaker; children, Brandy (Rich) Faux-Botz; Josh (Shannon) Trainer, and Jamie (Brandon) Trainer; grandchildren, Jasmyne, Jayden, Julie, Jordyn, and Kylo; his siblings, Linda (the late Al) Randolph, James (the late Barb) Shoemaker Jr., Susan (the late Walt) DeArmitt, Terry (Kim) Shoemaker, Lucinda (the late Tom) Knode, Shirley (Dwight) Dyer, Wendy Shoemaker, Randy Shoemaker, Joyce (Ray) Dodds, his twin, Mary Cox, John Shoemaker and Gary Shoemaker; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Buster Henry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Glenn Shoemaker. Friends are welcome from Friday, January 9, 2026, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.,6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township (412) 751-5000 Drew J. Gilbert, Director. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel following visitation at 8:00 pm with the Rev. Adam Stump, officiating. Condolences may be made at GilbertFuneralHomeandCrematory.com

Originally published January 07, 2026.

Other deaths:
"Judith Lynn Steff" || "Andrew Means"