John W. Shew Jr., a former automobile salesman and Vietnam veteran, died of cancer Saturday at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Washington. The Catonsville resident was 53.

Born in Baltimore and raised in Catonsville, Mr. Shew attended Baltimore County public schools before enlisting in the Army. He served with the Signal Corps in Vietnam, where he was wounded in combat. He was discharged in 1969 with decorations that included the Purple Heart.

He worked as an air-conditioning installer and used-car salesman before retiring on a medical disability in 1996.

Mr. Shew enjoyed visiting Atlantic City and Las Vegas casinos, and fishing.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Loudon Park Funeral Home, 3620 Wilkens Ave.

Mr. Shew is survived by his mother, Marie F. DeFlavis of Ocean View, Del.; and a nephew.