DANVERS & MIDDLETON- Mr. Richard D. Sheldon 74, of Danvers, Middleton, Largo, Florida and Wakefield, N.H., died unexpectedly December 9th, 2014 at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Bay Pines, Florida. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Philip and Gladys (Long) Sheldon. He was raised and educated in Danvers and was a graduate of the former Holten High School. A talented and accomplished athlete while in high School, Richie excelled as a member of the Danvers High School Falcons Football Team. An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a member of the United States Army during the Korean War. Richie had been employed as a Tractor Trailer Driver for Hood Milk for over 35 years until the time of his retirement in 2002. A longtime resident of the Town of Danvers and the Town of Middleton, Mr. Sheldon summered in Wakefield, N.H. and wintered in Florida. He was a member of the American Legion in Largo, Florida. He was a long time member of the Middleton Congregational Church. Richie was a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Barbara Ellen (Gould) Sheldon who passed away in 2009. He and Barbara were always together. They traveled and enjoyed life hand in hand. Richie did everything in his power to make sure that Barbara never had a want or need. She was the light of his life and he was devastated upon her passing. He has now reunited with her in Heaven and forever will be at her side. Richie is survived by his brother, Joseph Sheldon of Largo, Florida and many nieces and nephews in Danvers and on the North Shore. He was the beloved husband of the late Barbara Ellen (Gould) Sheldon.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers, Monday, December 22nd at 11 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Danvers. Visiting hours omitted. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Richie's memory to the Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com