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George Sheldon Obituary
George F. Sheldon died March 18, 2009. George Fremont Sheldon was born in Chicago on March 15, 1921. He attended, on scholarship, the University of Chicago High School and later obtained a master's degree in International Affairs from the University.
During the war, as a soldier, he was sent to California to study Vietnamese and was subsequently, with his family, sent to Vietnam for several years. His fluent French as well as his Vietnamese helped him there.
Having acquired a taste for traveling, George and his family next went to Turkey, where he and his wife taught at the Air Language School in Izmir. Then, two y ears later they went to Italy to paint.
Several years later they returned to the States and came to Ithaca where George began work towards his doctorate in linguistics (completed in 1970). During that period Cornell and the Ford Foundation sent him (and his family) to Algeria, where he directed courses in English and linguistics.
His last years have been spent gardening, reading, and painting his beautiful watercolors. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Sheldon
Bill Nelson
November 29, 2023
My brother gave me an envelope from 1976 that came from Izmir, Turkey and had a few drawings as well as this 8×10 photo. We never knew George, but the drawings are beautiful and he must have left a wonderful legacy for his family. My condolences on his passing and may this photo reach someone who would enjoy seeing it. Warmest wishes.
Anne Sheldon
March 18, 2019
Missing you today and always.❤
George Fremont Sheldon
Anne Sheldon
March 18, 2019
In loving memory of my wonderful, accomplished father.
Amy Hnatko
April 5, 2009
I am another member of the Ithaca Farmers Market who will greatly miss George's smile and gentle humor. Often at the end of a long day he would present me with a gay clutch of flowers to bring home. Here's to a deeply learned man who wore his scholarship lightly and with grace, and created such beauty for us all.
Neil Schwartzbach
April 1, 2009
As a member of the Ithaca Farmer's Market, I worked alonside George for many years. Of all the words which I associate with that memory, "prinicpled" is foremost. George was a man of strong beliefs; he articulated those beliefs with clarity and energy but always with great respect for those who disagreed. For his art, his bread and his dignity, he will be missed.
Marie McRae
March 23, 2009
I met George a long time ago when we were both vendors at the farmer's market. We shared an enjoyment of restoring old buildings to good use. I loved his watercolors. Although it has been some years since I last talked with George, I will miss his gentle smile.
Steve Kettelle
March 21, 2009
On behalf of the Ithaca Farmer's Market, I would like to convey our sense of loss at George's passing. George was one of the very early members of the market, dating back to 1975. We will miss George's "best you ever tasted or your money back" whole wheat bread, all of the pretty flowers, the artwork and his ever smiling face.
Steve Kettelle, President
Ithaca Farmer's Market
Le Moyne and Roger Farrell
March 21, 2009
We regret the loss to the Ithaca community
of artists, the Framers Market, and writers. He and his family contributed talent , intelligence, and beauty. He was a great guy.
With affectionate good wishes to his multitude of friends, Bon Voyage!
Dave Emmons
March 21, 2009
To the sheldon family George was a kind and generous man we will miss him
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