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Sheffield, Charles E. (Charlie)
Enfield: Charles E. (Charlie) Sheffield, 95, of Enfield passed away at home with family by his side, on the morning of Saturday October 11, 2014. Born on February 21, 1919 in Ithaca he was the youngest son of the late Charles and Laura Bishop Sheffield. His childhood was spent in the family's home (boarding house) on Eddy Street in Ithaca. After graduation from Ithaca High School, employment at various gas stations as an auto mechanic followed. For a short time he was employed at Morse Chain. When his family moved to a farm in Trumbulls Corners, in Newfield, he assisted with the work there. In 1955 Charles was married to Joan M. Purdy of Enfield, (deceased 2009), where they remained in the same home for the duration of their lives. Together they raised and cared for their daughters. Charles retired in 1981 from 23 years of full time work as driver of Enfield school bus route #62, and as a shop mechanic for the Ithaca City School District. For many years after retirement he returned to part time work at the ICSD garage. Many lifetime friendships were made during his years at the ICSD, and in September he attended a retiree's breakfast where he was so pleased to see many of those friends. In 1955 Charlie joined the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company where he served as recording Secretary for a total of 16 years, was on the Board of Directors, and served as a Fire Police officer until age 92. Over the years Charlie received many awards for his service to the community at the fire company. In December 2013 he was recognized for 55 years of service by the EVFC and by the Central NYS Firemen's Assoc. Enduring and faithful friendships were made at EVFC. Someone was always offering a helping hand with anything Charlie might need to be done as his health declined. Many heartfelt thank you's for all of the care shown to Charlie, especially this last year, and to the EMT responders who came to his aid on Saturday, October 11th. Camping was an enjoyment for Charlie and his family, eventually leading to membership and friendships in two camping clubs- The 39'ers, and the Top of the Hill. Local and travel camping continued until the mid-2000's. Summer vacations to Cape Cod and mid-winter trips to Florida were much anticipated activities for Charlie and Joan, where they visited friends and relatives. Charlie found it relaxing to mow his home acreage, keeping things up to his standards through mid-2013. He was a fan of football and NASCAR, and continued watching a few favorite TV "soaps" and evening programs that he'd enjoyed together with his wife following retirement. He loved to read "coffee table" books on many topics; local history was of special interest; especially information on his ancestors- settlers of Sheffield Rd. in the town of Enfield. A favorite past time in the late 60's was transforming cars into trucks. Our dad was a very generous, kind, loyal, honest and good humored man. Having cared for his wife in her late years, until her death. We miss you, and respect all that you taught us about loving and giving- thank you, forever loved- your family. Charlie is survived by his daughters and their families- Suzanne (David) Reynolds; Benjamin and Megan of Trumansburg; Karen French (Jeff Cornell) of Watkins Glen, John (Kylee) of the Binghamton area, Sarah (Nick), Heather (Dylan) and son Aiden M. Nichols, Zachary and Ariel and their families of the Watkins Glen area; Catherine Lopez and son Michael Paolangeli of Enfield; nephew David (Allison) Sheffield of Wellesley MA, and family; niece Carolyn (Fred) McKelvey of Gainesville, VA, and family; cousin Richard Sheffield of Ithaca, and family; sister-in-law Mildred (Alfred) Eddy of Enfield, and family; and last but not least, his feline lap sitting companion, Lucy. Charles was pre-deceased by older brothers Clifford (Luise) Sheffield, Ernest, and infant siblings, Walter and Alice Sheffield. He is now reunited with Sugar, his canine buddy who he truly missed. Charlie's family also wishes to thank everyone at Hospice of Ithaca; especially Lena, Adrian, and Jeff. We also want to thank Meals on Wheels of Ithaca for their services, with a special acknowledgement to his meal delivery driver Tim. Calling hours are scheduled at the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company, 172 Enfield Main Rd, on Friday October 17th from 4-7 PM. A Memorial Service and reception will also be held at EVFC on Saturday October 18th beginning at 10 AM. Charles' pastor, Dennis Christiansen, of the First Baptist Church of Trumansburg will be officiating the service. Charles was grateful to his church family for the cards and letters of encouragement that he received. The family asks those who wish to make a donation in Charlie's name to kindly consider the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company. The family has entrusted arrangements to the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg 1-888-534-5446 www.ness-sibley.com
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RIP Charlie.. I haven't lived in Enfield since grade school, but one thing I will never forget was you being my bus driver. You were always so pleasant, and I remember at the end of the school year, you treated us to ice cream. My prayers and thoughts are with your family. I remember the store at the four corners, rode my bike just to come see you. Yes, those were the good ole' days. You will never be forgotten.
Marsha (Curry) Calhoun
October 20, 2014
To Sue and Karen and your families, may his memory be eternal. A solid, kind man, your dad. Bernice Yarosh
October 19, 2014
RIP Charlie. You are now with your true love - Joan. We will never forget all of our fun times that we had with you and Joan camping and playing cards. Ann & Roger Hubbell
Ann Hubbell
October 18, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter and rest of the family
I remember as a young girl always seeing him at the fire dept when the call came out because I often went with my dad Gary Nesbitt to calls. He will be remembered by all that knew him. May he RIP.
Jennifer Fields
October 16, 2014
My condolences to your family. Joan and Charlie were two of the nicest people I ever knew. May they be together once more cradled in God's arms. Judy Ryan Milks
October 16, 2014
In Loving memory of the one who will rest forever in the arms of Angels. Charlie was a wonderful person, I am grateful for knowing him and having the pleasure of him being my bus driver
for many years.
Linda French (Hubbell)
October 16, 2014
Truly a kind and generous man. I rode his school bus for several years. He had a large box in the front of the bus where we could deposit our snow and mud boots in the morning and retrieve them again on the ride home after school. What a lifesaver for my fragile teen-age ego not to have to be seen wearing clunky boots on the high school campus. Thank you, Charlie!
Nancy Bock
October 16, 2014
Charlie will be missed by the entire Enfield community. This little part of the world will never be the same. The loss of Charlie is truly the end of an era. He was a wonderful person and touched many of our lives over the years as he drove many of us to school each day on the school bus and his volunteering with the fire department. Thank you Charlie. May you rest in peace
Terry Carlisle
October 16, 2014
To All The Family , my association with Charlie goes a ways back , when I was in Boynton Jr High on buffalo st , charlie was my bus driver , on afternoon on the way home the bus stopped at Purity everybody got off , I had no money , Charlie ask me "whats wrong"? I told him that I didn't have any money and to my surprise, Charlie got his billfold out and told me " Now young man go get yourself some ice cream (he had given me $5 ) and years later I tried to give it back - he wouldn't take a dime, and then in the fire department he helped me become a fire-fighter and was ALWAYS THERE when the tones went out , Charlie Was A Man in a Class by himself , I will always treasure my time that I spent with him and he helped make me a better person by teaching me everything that he did , Rest In Peace Charlie , I know you will be seated next to the almighty in heaven
Rev. Gary L. Griffin
October 15, 2014
I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Sheffield, but the stories his daughter Karen used to tell were the best and the funniest. How lucky he was to raise such a beautiful family, and how blessed they were to have him! Much love to you all, and may your happy memories bring you comfort at this very sad and difficult time.
Melissa Asaro
October 15, 2014
my condolences to all the family, Charlie was a great man, will always remember him from my childhood from bus driver to him letting us in his old school bus to see him run his trains, a kind man that will be missed...RIP Mr. Sheffield
stan mcfall
October 15, 2014
Charlie was a man among men solid and wise always steady while truly caring and devoted to his family and community. He will be missed. Marnie Kirchgessner
October 15, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. May your memories bring you comfort at this time.
Lena Dannic
October 15, 2014
I worked with Charlie for 20 years. He always had a smile and a kind word. I am keeping his family in my prayers. Rest in Peace Charlie.
Roberta Barnett
October 15, 2014
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