Oliver E. Shoemaker  – Gibsonia, formerly of Peters Township
Obituaries
May 21, 2020

Oliver E. Shoemaker – Gibsonia, formerly of Peters Township

By obits


Oliver E. Shoemaker, 70, of Gibsonia, formerly of Peters Township, died on May 15, 2020. He was born on Oct. 10, 1949, in North Charle- roi, son of the late Oliver and Lucy Bernowski Shoemaker. He was the beloved husband for 42 years of Rita Niederberger Shoemaker; the loving father of Jessica Shoemaker of Arlington, Va., and Lauren (Craig) Bustos of Denver, Colo.; brother of Edith (Robert) King of Myrtle Beach, S.C; and proud grandfather of Olivia Bustos. Oliver was a long time Pittsburgh-based mortgage banker and a friend and mentor to many in the Pittsburgh real estate community. He earned a Ph.D. in urban affairs in 1978 from the University of Pittsburgh and was an avid Pitt fan. Oliver also earned the distinction of Member, Appraisal Institute (MAI) in 1985. His time in graduate school serving as a resident assistant and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) academic advisor never left him, as he particularly relished mentoring young people. Under Oliver’s tutelage, his daughters, son-in-law and a nephew followed his footsteps into commercial real estate. He used his extensive network to help countless others find their professional paths. Oliver’s unmatched work ethic was developed at a young age, as evidenced by earning the Eagle Scout distinction at age 14 and being inducted into the Charleroi Area High School Soccer Hall of Fame. During his working days, he was out the door before dawn in order to be home in time for dinner with his family. He believed that any issue was surmountable; it just required starting the day that much earlier. Although he received business awards and recognition over the years, the greatest measure of his success was the mutual devotion he and his wife Rita had for each other and the love they shared for their children. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by SCHELLHAAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES LTD., Bakerstown, Pa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation (www.michaeljfox.org). Please add condolences at www.schellhaasfh.com.

Puppy love for Santa in Charleroi
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Bailee Jo Tiernan, 12, of Washington Township and her puppy Buddy visited Santa at Charleroi’s Light-Up Night on Friday. See more photos on A2 and in our online photo gallery at www.monvalleyindepende...
PUC decision puts request for water rate hike on hold
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 6, 2025
A formal investigation of Pennsylvania American’s request will be conducted, with a final ruling not expected until August. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday put the brakes on a s...
U.S. Steel fined for leaking oil into Monongahela River
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The $135,000 fine is part of an agreement with the Pennsylvania DEP. By JACK TROY TribLive U.S. Steel must pay $135,000 and establish stronger pollution controls after environmental regulators found t...
McKeesport Area school board changes leaders
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 6, 2025
David Seropian was chosen as president for 2026, with Jason Pavlecic as vice president. The McKeesport Area school board changed its leadership and welcomed new members during Thursday’s meeting. The ...
Holly Day celebration in California
Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
Stephen Shamay, 10, Olivia Rice, 8, Clayton Rice, 4, and Brielle Rice, 6, all of California Borough, pose for a photo with Santa during Friday’s Holly Day Celebration at Hollywood Pavilion in Californ...
Area just misses breaking coldest temperature record
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 6, 2025
The low was 13, which is one degree warmer than the mark set in 1976. By MEGAN SWIFT TribLive Western Pennsylvania was just one degree short Friday morning of breaking the record for the coldest tempe...