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Henry Shelton Obituary
A former priest and inspired by the social gospel, he devoted his life to working to address the issues of poverty and injustice in the state of Rhode Island
Born in Central Falls, he was the son of Catherine (Duffy) and Joseph Shelton and the brother of Rosemarie Wright of Littleton, MA, Catherine Shelton of Central Falls and the late Patrice Shelton. He was the father of four sons and one daughter, Joseph, James, Patrick, Eamon and Caitlin. He was the grandfather of Benjamin, Mathew, Henry, Emmett, Frederic and Felicity, and the husband, companion and friend for over 40 years to Carol Reagan Shelton.
Calling hours are from 4-8 PM on Sunday, September 25th at the Keefe Funeral home, 5 Higginson Ave., Lincoln RI. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at St. Jude's Parish in Lincoln, RI at 10 AM on Monday, September 26th.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Henry's name to the George Wiley Center, 32 East Ave., Pawtucket, RI 02860 will be gratefully appreciated. For online condolences visit www.thekeefefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Henry Shelton
Sponsored by Keefe Funeral Home Inc.
Nancy Carriuolo
September 17, 2023
God bless Henry. He will never be forgotten.
Mary
April 6, 2023
I was Christened by you in April of 1966 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Lincoln, RI. Icant wait to meet you in heaven. May God Bless and Keep You in Eternity! Mary Elizabeth
Barbara Bardsley
October 5, 2021
Henry was such a wonderful man. He is really missed.
Nancy Carriuolo
September 17, 2020
Henry is remembered by many of us with fondness and great respect.
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Jimmy Warburton
August 11, 2020
I want his children to know what a nice man he was even when he was in his 20's... tears flow for this Saint of a Man, even now remembering Henry as a young priest under Father Halloran at St Judes. Henry SEND HELP! RIP
February 25, 2017
I came to Pawtucket,Rhode Island about 13 years ago, with my best friend Barry Coley.We came from New Jersey,and we were very lost. Barry got a job Henry and everything started to get better..Weather it was an apartment,electric and gas,phones,,or just a friend Henry was there to help. We will really truly miss him. With love Barry and George
Kathleen Guinan
October 13, 2016
Carol... thinking of you and your amazing life with Henry . Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers . With much love to you and your family ....Kathleen
Wanda McGee
October 2, 2016
Deepest sympathy to Henry's family and friends. Rest in peace. From Wanda McGee
William Hernandez
September 30, 2016
Henry always remained our Pastor.
Nancy Carriuolo
September 28, 2016
Henry was a champion for so many. May he rest in peace.
Nancy and Ralf Carriuolo
September 27, 2016
James Shelton & family, you have my deepest condolences at this very difficult time.. May God show all of you the strength that is needed now. Sincerely, Denise M. Maguire
Arlene Violet
September 27, 2016
Deepest sympathies to you, Carol, and the family. I'm sorry to have missed you at the funeral home! How very perfect is was to have an Ada Bethune type of casket- so fitting a symbol for the life of Henry!The Mass card was perfect with the quotes,particularly from Dorothy Day! Henry will always remain a mentor to us all!
Pat O'Hara
September 26, 2016
We know and appreciate all that he did for the needy. He was a good man. Our sincerest sympathy to his family
John O'Leary
September 26, 2016
Carol and family,
Please accept the condolences of the O'Leary family on the passing of Henry. We are deeply sorry for your loss. He may have passed to eternal life but his good works and example will continue to move us to be aware of the poor and the needy.
Betty Brennan
September 26, 2016
Dear Carol and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
I was fortunate to know Henry through my years as "office gnome" at The Fund for Community Progress in the 90s. I had to harass Henry for time-sensitive paperwork throughout those years; I will always remember his good humor and indefatigableness. We then became neighbors in Cranston, which made MY life easier as I could collect and drop-off necessary documents with ease. "Just go in and get it off the radiator, Betty", Henry would instruct.
I wish you all peace and love,
Barbara Bardsley
September 25, 2016
My heartfelt condolences are sent your way. Henry was a kind and wonderful man. He never forgot his vow of poverty!
I worked with him on various committees and
protests.
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with him.
He will be missed!!
Gerry and Sue Charbonneau
September 25, 2016
Dear Carol and Family --- Our heartfelt condolences. Henry was a saint in our midst, and a prophet who compelling called all of us to recognize Christ in the poor and needy. May he rest in the Lord's peace, and may each of you be comforted in the sure knowledge that you cared for him so lovingly and well.
Gerry and Sue Charbonneau
North Kingstown, RI
Sylvia
September 25, 2016
My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Even though he will be greatly missed, the memories and phenomenal legacy will live on.
Brenda Carr
September 24, 2016
Dear Carole and Family.
The Carrs were saddened to learn of Henry's passing.
He was a wonderful man who impacted us with his gracious kindness. We pray God's comfort and peace for all of you.
Our Sincere Condolences,
Brenda, Ben, and Family
United Methodist Elder Care
September 24, 2016
Carol, you and Henry were friends of UMEC for many years, and will always be. Our condolences on your loss.
Sally McAuley
September 24, 2016
Thank you to all the Shelton family for sharing such a wonderful man with us! His likes will not be seen again. He taught me about social injustice from the Martin DePorres Center to marches with Cesar Chavez for Justice for Farmworkers! The George Wiley Center stands as a testament to the radical compassion of this good man! Rest now Henry, God Bless!
Sally McAuley
Edward Greenan
September 24, 2016
Henry has always been a special individual. He was a role model for those of us who were in the seminary with him, and for all whose lives he touched in his struggle for justice and mercy.
Thank you, Henry , for being there for so many. Well Done.
Ed Greenan
Camille Nixon
September 24, 2016
A champion for those in need, he will be missed. Thankfully, his courage and commitment inspire us to press on for justice and an end to poverty.
Sylvia Ann Soares
September 24, 2016
Great loss of a person, yet his legacy will ever serve people. A dear man who answered the Call. You are missed Henry, but we are richer for your presence. You live in our hearts in your continuing work. Deep condolences to loving Carol and family.
David Azevedo
September 24, 2016
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Rev. Joseph Protano
September 24, 2016
The best of us!, man, Christian, priest. If it could be said there is a male Mother Teresa, Henry is that man. This State and this Diocese is blessed to have for a time Henry Shelton. Holy Mass will be celebrated in thanksgiving for Henry and for all family members who are now feeling the pain of separation. Fr. Joe Protano
Wayne Smith
September 24, 2016
Dear Carol and Family,
On behalf of the Smith family, please accept our deepest sympathy for your tremendous loss of Henry. As you know and have heard from so many friends and family, Henry was a beautiful and passionate spirit. I had the very good fortune to assist "Father Shelton" to help feed and clothe poor people. We worked out of a storefront on Prairie Avenue and Father Shelton taught me how to be a good and decent man by "service to those in need of help!" Thanks to Henry, I am a better person and I continue that admirable tradition of fighting-for-justice! Although my sadness is challenging, Henry's spirit and the valuable lessons learned from our time together will remain with me for the rest of my days!
Blessings to you and to your beautiful family,
Wayne
Amy Leonard
September 23, 2016
Henry was full of grace, compassion and love. He was such a dedicated man who would not back down if their was a wrong to right. I had enormous respect and admiration for him. Just being in his presence in a meeting always made me feel better about the chance for a just world. Love and peace to you all.
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