Charles Patrick Pat Sheldon

1933 - 2017

Charles Patrick "Pat" Sheldon, age 83, passed away on Sunday, March 27, 2017, at home, surrounded by family.

He was born in Erie, on September 23, 1933, son of the late William Martin and Alice (McDonald) Sheldon.

He attended East High School and went on to graduate from Edinboro University with an M.A. in drug/alcohol rehab counseling.

He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 16, was discharged when his young age was discovered, then went on to enlist with the United States Air Force, and was a proud Veteran of the Korean War.

He worked at Hammermill Paper Company until his retirement, serving as Chief Union Steward and Committeeman. He was very active with several of the local clubs and sat on several boards. Besides his service to his country, he was a life member of the VFW Post 470, the American Legion, and helped bring the Korean War Memorial in Erie to life. In his later years, "Old Man Sheldon" was a substitute teacher and proud supporter of all things Collegiate Academy. Besides being involved with union, political and military organizations, he was especially devoted to the KunTao (Kung Fu) teachings of Master Willem Reeders rising to the rank of 7th Degree Black Belt (Grand Master) – which he practiced until his final days. An avid book-reader, he amassed an impressive collection of books, and as "Unofficial Mayor" he would welcome any and all for food and drink at Sheldon's Pub, where he would regale in stories, jabs, and exaltations of his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. A fighter to the end, all who knew him recognized that he enjoyed spirited debate followed by a drink – and if you were lucky enough, a dance with an excellent hoofer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, William, James, John (Bud), Thomas (Kurt), sisters, Gloria, Ila, Lilian (Snookie), Katherine, and Alice Novakowski, and also by his son Michael Sheldon, granddaughter Jessica Barton and best friend Jimmy "Cheech" Abbate.

A beloved husband and father, he is survived by his loving wife Carol Ann (Landis) of 40 years, a daughter Holly Mendes (husband Mark) of Erie, Pa., a son David (wife Michelle) of Royse City, Texas and a son Brian (wife Jennifer) of Erie, Pa., and grandchildren, Danielle, Adrian, Patrick, Drew, Hillary, Charisse, Gabriel, Noah, and Zoe, and several great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He will be sorely missed by his furry buddies, Sydney and Alvin and all of his friends, including his "adopted" grandson Joshua Heidecker.

Friends are invited to call at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, on Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m. and may attend a Funeral Mass on Friday at Sacred Heart Church, 816 West 26th Street, at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Erie County Korean War Memorial, c/o Robert Southard, 601 Oregon Avenue, Erie, PA 16505, or to Great Lakes Hospice of Erie, 1700 Peach Street, Erie, PA 16501.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits