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BORN
1943
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Sheldon Runlett Obituary
He is the father of Paula (Andrew) Laudano, Kelly (Robert) Zurzola, Brett (Stefanie) Runlett, and Jared (Paola) Runlett; grandfather of Andrea Laudano, Andrew Laudano, Emily Zurzola, Robert Zurzola, Michael Zurzola, Sophiea Runlett, Brett Runlett, Luke Runlett, and Eliana Runlett; and brother of Dean (Dana) Runlett, Shella Runlett, Deanne (Ralph) Acabbo, and Robbin (Ralph) Nuzzo.
Sheldon was born in Rochester, N.H. Feb. 12, 1943, son of the late Sheldon E. Runlett Sr. and Louise Schmierer Runlett. He grew up in Dover, N.H. before moving to Milford, Conn. He attended Milford High School, Class of 1962. Sheldon recalled fond memories of his childhood at Fort Trumbull Beach.
Sheldon served in the Army Connecticut National Guard from 1962–1968. He began his fulfilling career with the New Haven Police Department in 1970. He served in many capacities, including as a training instructor, and his most satisfying and impactful work, in the Bias and Sexual Assault Unit. After 30 years of dedicated service, he retired in 2000. Post-retirement, Sheldon and Linda moved to a home in Wallingford, adjoining the Tradition Golf Club, where he learned to play golf, which quickly became a favorite pastime with his golfing buddies, Cliff Hench and William Murdock. Sheldon also enjoyed yearly vacations to Kennebunkport, Maine. Sheldon found his most enjoyment and pride in the lives of his children and grandchildren.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Church of the Resurrection at 10. Interment with full military honors will follow in the North Haven Center Cemetery. The visiting hours will be Monday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Sheldon's memory be made to the Church of the Resurrection Building Fund, 115 Pond Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492.
www.northhavenfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sheldon Runlett
Angelo Appi
September 28, 2017
Good By Shelly,
You were one of the more pleasant and down to earth police officers I ever had the pleasure to serve with.
Angelo J. Appi Sr
Retired NHPD
September 27, 2017
Dean, Shella, Deanne, Robbin and families;
So very sorry to learn of Sheldon's passing. We were very close friends while living in Meadowbrook Apts. 68-72. The good times and parties we all had doesn't seem that long ago as I remember back. Sheldon and my family got along really well.
My sincere condolences to all of you at this sad time.
Martin Goldbaum, West Haven, CT
Vera DeBrito-Esdaile
September 26, 2017
My deepest condolences to you and your family Linda. May God provide you with comfort and peace. Love Vera
Gail d. Patterson
September 26, 2017
Linda, my sincere condolences to you and your family.
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Joann Peterson
September 26, 2017
Linda,
I am sorry to hear of Shelly's passing. You are correct when you say that he made a tremendous impact in the Sexual Assault and Bias Unit. He helped train me and inspire me. He was a passionate and thorough investigator and truly did God's work in the unit. Peace be with you and the rest of his family.
Carrie Fowler
September 26, 2017
Dear Linda,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending you prayers and comfort.
With deepest sympathy,
Carrie
Catherine Hammie
September 25, 2017
Linda,
My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Cheryl Smith
September 25, 2017
Hi Linda,I was so very sad to hear the news about your husband Shelly.I never had the pleasure to meet him but I remember how much he made you laugh. When you talked about him you always smiled. I enjoyed hearing about your trips together with the dogs.He gave you lots of extra time to shop during your vacations. He certainly seemed like a special man and gentleman. Please accept my condolences at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cheryl Smith
Walker AFB, NM 1962
Roger Goss
September 25, 2017
I lived at 13 Ward St., I remember Sheldon at MHS, I think he living on Elm St. We were not close friends, I remember him as pleasant person, smiling with, perhaps a bit of mischief on his mind. I was MHS Photographer, he was on Wetomhs and 1962 Wepwaug yearbook pictures committees. So he would have seen all my school newspaper and yearbook photos. I took almost all the pictures in the yearbook, except formal portraits. His words written to me above his yearbook picture: "To Big G from Little R" I was 6'4", probably biggest student.
Kevin Costin
September 25, 2017
Sorry for your loss, He was a great Police instructor and friend, Rest in Pease Sir.
John Rogers
September 25, 2017
Linda,
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers to you and your family.
JOHN
Claudia Steeves
September 25, 2017
Linda my thoughts and prayers are with you and your precious family. I never got to know Sheldon very well but know he was a very special man who was loved by so many.
Chief Leonard Gallo
September 24, 2017
Sheldon, rest in peace brother knowing that you have touched the lives of many in a positive way. Till the next line up and roll call.
Chief Len Gallo (ret)
East Haven Police
New Haven Police
September 24, 2017
We knew him through The Henches, Cliff and Stephene. Bob and I are so happy Cliff got to see his "best" buddy while in Connecticut on a recent visit. Our prayers are with the family.. RIP Sheldon...in the arms of our Lord
Bob and Rosalee VanMarter, Wallingford
Cindy O'Neil
September 24, 2017
Rest in peace to one of the most inspirational men I ever had the pleasure to call my friend.
Ginger Clare
September 24, 2017
My Mom knew Sheldon when she worked at Sid's in Fort Trumbull - she always spoke very highly of him. Rest in Peace Sheldon.
Kathy Kristhoffer
September 24, 2017
I have no words. He was a great guy who's personality made me smile!!I have so many wonderful thoughts about him. He's had such struggles and I hope he's at peace. My condolences to Linda and the rest of his family.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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Memorial Events
for Sheldon Runlett
Sep
25
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
North Haven Funeral Home, Inc.36 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473-2309
Sep
26
Funeral services provided by:
North Haven Funeral Home, Inc.36 Washington Ave., North Haven, CT 06473-2309
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