Richard V. Sheldon

Dr. Richard V. Sheldon passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2022, at the age of 93. Richard is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois; sons, David (Cheryl) and Jeff (Lisa); and four grandchildren, Andrew, Victoria, Carey, and Olivia.

Richard was born in Albany, NY. A graduate of Bethlehem High School, he served in Korea as a Technical Sergeant in the US Air Force. After his tour in the military, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Engineering at Syracuse University (SU) and began his professional career working in the automation mechanics field. He loved everything mechanical and devising new ways to do things. This led to him working with new employees, teaching them the key skills needed to succeed in the developing world of mechanical/automated manufacturing in the greater Syracuse area. This experience inspired Richard to pursue his master’s at Oswego and later his Doctorate in Education at SU. His career spanned 40 years, including being a member of the state team forming what became the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), first at the BOCES Center in Oswego, NY, and later as principal of the DCMO BOCES Norwich Campus. His passion for teaching brought him to the utilities industry as a corporate trainer at Met-Ed where he stayed until retirement.

In his spare time, Richard enjoyed traveling with family and woodworking. He also believed in the importance of giving back to the community. Richard spent hours volunteering at the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum, Northeast Classic Car Museum, NYS Veterans’ Home, in Oxford, Habitat for Humanity, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1204, and the Chenango County Area Agency on Aging.

The family would like to extend its thanks to the health aides for their help and support, especially these last few weeks. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Richard’s name to the Chenango County SPCA; 6160 Co. Rd. 32 Norwich, NY 13815; https://chenangospca.org/donate/ or Chenango County Habitat for Humanity at: 272 State Hwy 320, Norwich, NY 13815.