Stanley Shuman of Brookline and Oak Bluffs died peacefully on Jan. 3, with his family around him. He was 96.

Stanley was the youngest son of Barnet and Eva Shuman who emigrated from Russia. His early life was spent in Mattapan and Dorchester. He joined the army after Pearl Harbor and served in World War II in Company C of the 1255th Combat Engineer Battalion. One of his most emotional experiences was crossing the Remagen Bridge during the Allied invasion of Germany days before it was blown up.

He received his degree in civil engineering in 1949 from Northeastern University and went on to build a successful construction business with his brother Sidney. Their reputation for integrity and honesty in business and in life came from their father who was a bricklayer.

He was a Brookline town meeting member for many years and a member of the American Arbitration Association. He loved being an arbitrator and would study all of the exhibits with a precise and open mind. He was proud to be appointed to the state board of building regulations, and was active in the AGC (American General Contractors).

Stanley was a firm believer in education and taking care of family. He was also a strong advocate for the support of local businesses.

He enjoyed family and friends in Nantasket, Madison, New Hampshire, and especially Martha’s Vineyard where he and his wife Susan opened their home and hearts to so many. He summered on the Vineyard for more than 40 years. He cherished watching the sun set over Vineyard Sound, enjoying s’mores on the beach, and swimming and sailing with all of those he loved. Even well into his late 80s, Stanley never ceased to work and advocate for a better future. When the new Vineyard hospital was under construction, he had the idea that surrounding homes could connect to the newly constructed Beach Road sewer line. He worked tirelessly, walking door to door and advocated within multiple community meetings to establish access to this resource.

He had two happy marriages. Sarita Rosenberg Shuman died in 1975 after 26 years of marriage. They had four children. He was married for 42 years to Susan Flaksman Shuman. They had three children.

He is survived by six children and their spouses: Deborah Raczynski, Edward Shuman, Elizabeth Shuman, Barry and Sara Goldberg, Beth and Ron Foreman, Amy Goldberg and Tim Doyle; 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren combined; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, David Shuman; and four siblings, Bette Gorfinkle, Sidney Shuman, Annette Guttell and Miriam Blumstein.

He was interred with military honors at Sharon Memorial Park in Sharon on Jan 6.

A celebration of life will take place once everyone can gather safely.

Donations can be made to the Veterans Outreach Program of Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.