Keith F. Shoneman, 73, of Acton

• Obituary and photo courtesy ofActon Funeral Home

ACTON, MA—Keith Frederick Shoneman, 73, of Acton, beloved husband, father and grandfather died at home on May 29 after losing his battle with cancer. He is survived by Thelma, his wife of 50 years, two sons, Jeffrey and wife Marcie, Craig and wife Dawn and four grandchildren, Quincy, Wyatt, Abby and Sam, and one sister, Judy and her husband Charlie and their 2 daughters, Eliza and Tricia and their families. 

Keith was born in Phoenixville, PA and graduated from Spring-Ford HS, Royersford PA in 1960. Keith graduated from Penn State University in 1964 and was a lifetime member of the Penn State Alumni Association. He earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware in 1971. Keith spent 30 years with Polaroid in Research and Product development before starting his second career as a Real Estate appraiser achieving his SRA designation. In addition to family activities including travel, skiing, kayaking and birding, Keith’s greatest interest was in model railroading. He was a member of the National Model Railroading Association, Hub Division. He entertained and influenced generations of model railroaders in the New England Region with his expansive model railroad. He earned 6 achievement awards including Master Builder for superior achievement in building layout scenery. His greatest contribution to the hobby was bringing together a dedicated group of friends to operate his beloved PNE railroad monthly for over 15 years.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held on Thursday, June 2 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 435 Central St. where he was a longtime member. Friends are invited to join the family for food, fellowship and memories following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Bethke Cancer Center, Emerson Hospital, 133 ORNAC, Concord, MA 01742. Memorial page www.actonfuneralhome.com