Joshua E. Shoemaker, 29

Joshua E. Shoemaker, 29

LACONIA — Joshua Evan Shoemaker, 29, passed away early Friday morning on April 6, 2018, at home as a result of a drug overdose.

Joshua was born in Laconia on April 14, 1988, the seventh child of Keith and Phyllis (MacGillivray) Shoemaker.

He attended Laconia Christian School for nine years and eventually graduated from Laconia Academy.

At an early age, Joshua was drawn to anything culinary, happily preparing food for his many siblings. He went on to study at Atlantic Culinary Institute and work at local restaurants, including Mame’s, Patrick’s Pub and, most recently, South End Pizza & Seafood owned by his brother, Micah.

Josh was a devoted father who loved to cook and would do anything for anyone if he thought it would help. He found joy in writing poetry and truly treated others with love and respect.

Josh struggled from an early age with bipolar disorder and eventually turned to substance abuse for relief. The reality of mental illness impacts countless people. Frustration and fear of stigma often stop family and friends from acknowledging the problem or sharing their love. Remember, an addict doesn’t have to be clean and sober to tell them you love them.

Josh is survived by his children, Ewan and Adeline and their mother Bryanna Doyle of Moultonborough; parents R. Keith and Phyllis (MacGillivray) Shoemaker of Laconia; siblings Joe and Adrienne Purslow-Shoemaker of Concord, Dana Shoemaker of Hubert, North Carolina, Chris and Shira Shoemaker-Lemire of Annapolis, Maryland, Buddy and Jess Winter-Shoemaker of Gilford, Aarim Shoemaker and Sabrina True of Benton, Maine, Nathan and Christa Shoemaker-Krakowski of South Bend, Indiana, Micah Shoemaker of Laconia, and Tobey Shoemaker and Grace Brown of Sanbornton; and 15 nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, April 11, from 6 to 9 p..m at Josh’s brother Buddy’s home, 22 Boyd Hill Road, Gilford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 12, at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, 96 Main St., Belmont. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street, Laconia.

Flowers are appreciated, or consider a donation to Navigating Recovery, 635 Main Street, Suite 303, Laconia NH 03246, in honor of Josh and for the hope of others.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.