Jonathan Stuart Shing of Lakeville, MA, passed away unexpectedly on October 29, 2023, at his home, his favorite place to be. Jon was born on January 12, 1957, to Marjorie (Chin) and Jean H. Shing.  During his childhood on Clear Pond Road, Jon established a backyard farm of uncommon breeds of poultry. Equipped with his Sears catalog incubator, he was able to produce an endless supply of hatchlings, much to his parents’ dismay.  His enjoyment of the outdoors later turned to hunting and fishing.  Jon was a member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a life member of the National Rifle Association. Early winter trips to hunt deer on the Giard’s Farm in the Berkshires was an annual Shing tradition that he eagerly anticipated.  Although the trips were about a week in duration, the stories from these hunts lasted the whole year and beyond. Jon was a 1976 graduate of Apponequet Regional High School.  He worked as a groundskeeper at Bridgewater State University for 31 years until his retirement in 2009.  In his later years, Jon resumed raising chickens, supplying family and friends with an abundance of fresh eggs.

Jon was a devoted and loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. And to Jon, even strangers were his friends. He had the special ability to strike up a conversation with anyone he encountered, no matter their similarities or differences.  Jon was always there to lend a helping hand regardless of the task. He was kindhearted and easygoing. Children adored Jon for his enthusiastic engagement in their play and interests.  Jon had a penchant for creating unique nicknames as a term of endearment for children and adults alike.

Jon was predeceased by his parents.  Surviving siblings, nieces and nephews are Jeffrey Shing, Kathryn (Kowlaczyk), and their daughter, Hannah; Caron Shing, Kim Lau and their son, Austin; Jerald Shing, Duane Diviney, and their son, Kai, and daughter, Mia.  Jon was blessed with two families, his second being the family of Elaine and John S. Rocharz, Jr. His best pal was John III and his godson was Tommy.

 A memorial gathering for family and friends is planned for November 25.