Richard J Sheldon

Rotterdam - On Friday, August 12, 2022, Richard J. Sheldon, 79, of Rotterdam passed peacefully at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Born in Albany, Richard was the son of the late John and Barbara Yesilonis Sheldon. Richard was a member of the first graduating class at Mohonasen High School in 1961. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1966. He began working with his father, who owned Sheldon Heating & Air Conditioning and worked for many years as a refrigeration mechanic. He was last employed with A.J. Eckert Mechanical in Albany retiring in 2002. Richard was a longtime, faithful member of St. Gabriel’s Church. Richard was a longstanding member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 7 Union. He was an avid fisherman and was a longtime member of several bowling leagues including Scotia Junior Merchant’s League, City Catholic, Schenectady Dorp Mixed League, Rolling Greens Classic, the Amateurs Bowling Tour, and many others. Richard was a regular presence at Best Fitness in Schenectady throughout most of his retirement. In addition to his parents, Richard was also predeceased by his daughter; Christine Huffman and grandson; James Lausen Huffman. He is survived by his son; Todd M. Sheldon of Clifton Park, his brother; Robert (Patricia) Sheldon, sister; Joan (Raymond) Strenkowski and grandson; Michael Sheldon. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, from 6-8 pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin on Thursday, 9:15 am from the funeral home, followed at 10 am by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Gabriel’s Church. Burial will be private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Richard’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org .