Richard G. Shemo, 80, of Shavertown, passed away at his home on July 29, 2019.
Rich was born on April 15, 1939, a son of the late Joseph and Anna Shemo of Forty Fort. He graduated from Forty Fort High School and served three years in the United States Army at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. After completing military service, Rich graduated from Wilkes University. It was also at Wilkes that he met the love of his life, the former Gail Roberts of Wilkes-Barre, with whom he recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary. Rich and Gail were devoted partners throughout their long romance together, and they loved making each other laugh.
An insurance adjuster with Aetna Life and Casualty for several years, Rich later worked at Hourigan, Kluger and Quinn as a litigation specialist, retiring after twenty-five years with the firm in 2005.
Rich will be remembered by friends, colleagues, and especially close family for his gentle warmth and quick humor. He had a keen interest in history, especially the WWII era, and was an avid follower of events and heroes of that time, from FDR to JFK. Rich was blessed with many talents, including being a self-taught woodworking craftsman.
In addition to his wife, Gail, Rich is survived by two devoted sons, Steve and Scott; a younger, much-loved sister, Barbara Dombroski; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Rich was preceded in death by his older brother, Dr. Robert Shemo of Wyoming, with whom he shared much laughter over the years at their weekly post-Mass Sunday breakfasts.
Celebration of Rich’s Life will be held Friday, August 2, 2019, with visitation beginning at 9 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in the Church of Saint Frances Cabrini, 585 Mount Olivet Road in Carverton.
Memorial donations are preferred and may be made to the Saint Vincent de Paul Kitchen.
Memories and condolences may be shared with Rich’s family at
www.celebratehislife.com