Obituary: Donald F. Sheldon

Donald F. Sheldon, age 79, of Deltona, Florida, formerly of Mansfield passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013 at the Hospice Care of Volusia and Flagler Counties in Orange City. He was the beloved husband of the late Geraldine A. (Philben) Sheldon to whom he was wed for 51 years at the time of her death on Jan. 6, 2007.

Born in Norwood, on June 3, 1933, he was a son of the late Edward J., Sr. and Nellie (Fallon) Sheldon. He grew up in Mansfield and was a 1950 graduate of Mansfield High School.

During the Korean War he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy, stationed at Key West Naval Air Station in Boca Chica, Florida. He was honorably discharged from the service on Aug. 5, 1955 with the rank of Yeoman Second Class and continued his love of flying at the Mansfield Airport for many years.

Prior to retiring to Deltona, Mr. Sheldon had been employed as a Distribution Clerk for the United States Postal Service in Providence, RI and Taunton. He had previously worked at the Kendall Co. in Walpole for many years.

Don had made his home in Florida for the past 21 years and was a former longtime Mansfield resident. He was a lifelong New England sports enthusiast and since living down south, remained a true and loyal fan of his New England teams. Mr. Sheldon was also a lifetime member of the DAV.

He will be missed by his devoted children, Geraldine Carpentier and her husband Richard of Deltona, Florida, Paul J. Sheldon, Sr. and his wife Phyllis of Mansfield, Donna M. Sullivan and her husband Leo of Deltona, Florida. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Sandra J. Sheldon. He was the younger brother of Edward J. Sheldon, Jr. of Lexington and the late William H. Sheldon. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Paul J. Sheldon, Jr., Shannon L. Sheldon Kelcourse and John C. Sheldon, his great grandsons, Nicholas W. Kelcourse and Alexander J. Kelcourse, as well as several nieces and nephews and his faithful dog “Digby Sullivan” who brought him much pleasure and joy.

Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Monday, May 6, from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St. Mansfield.

Graveside services with military honors will be held following visitation at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.

In lieu of flowers, Donald’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the DAV, P.O. Box 45250-0301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250-0301. ATTN: Gift Processing.

To send Donald’s family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com