Joe was born and raised in Taneytown. At a very early age, he built and flew model airplanes, both free-flight and control line. At age 11, Joe’s father had him clerk in his meat and grocery store on Main Street. At age 16, Joe received his flying license at Taneytown Airport, which was located at Fair’s Garage on the Taneytown-Emmitsburg Road. He advanced to a private pilot’s license, which enabled him to take passengers for rides. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed building and flying model airplanes.
Joe attended St. Joseph Catholic School for 8 years before entering Taneytown High School. He was elected class president during his sophomore and senior years, graduating in 1948. When President Harry Truman initiated the draft, Joe enlisted in the United States Air Force, and served for 3 years during the Korean War. Upon leaving the service, Joe returned to work at his father’s store for 2 more years. He then took on a new challenge as a salesman for the Maryland Candy Company in Westminster, spending 13 years there. He subsequently landed a job as a customer service representative with the Westinghouse Corporation in Sykesville, eventually being promoted to Supervisor of Receiving, Storeroom, and Shipping. After 19 years with Westinghouse, Joe became the Shipping Supervisor for 7 years at the Aristocraft Company in Littlestown, PA. He then worked during semi-retirement for Star Vending in Westminster for 6 years.
After retiring, Joe and Betty volunteered in Carroll Community Hospital’s gift shop and at the information desk for 22 years. Joe served for 6 years as treasurer of the hospital auxiliary, and served 2 terms as president. He also served as a member of Carroll Hospital’s Board of Directors, the Taneytown City Council, and the Board of Directors of Catonsville Community College in Carroll County. He was a member of both St. Joseph Catholic Church in Taneytown and St. John’s Catholic Church in Westminster. He was a member of Hesson Snider American Legion Post 120 in Taneytown, where he served as Commander for one term. He was a former vice president of the Francis Scott Key High School’s PTSA, and was a former member of the Board of Directors of the Carroll County Heart Association.
Surviving in addition to his wife are son, Michael Shaum and wife Lorie of Fort Mill, SC; daughter, Becky Rugemer and husband Max of Oakton, VA; granddaughter, Melissa Shaum of NC; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Mary Donatelli, and brothers, Father David W. Shaum, and Frank Shaum.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 44 Frederick St., Taneytown, MD, with Monsignor Martin E. Feild as celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 136 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD. Prayers will be offered at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.