Charles E. Sheffield

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), John (Kylee), 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.