Ralph Milton "Pete" Sheldon

Ralph Milton Sheldon, US Army (Ret.) 90 of Fall River, MA passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 after a brief illness.

“Pete” was born June 1929 in Corry, PA. He was the son of the late Grey Boin and Mable (Courtright) Sheldon. He entered the US Army 1947 and retired as a SSGT E-6 in 1968 after 21 years of service. He received the Army Commendation Medal OLC, Army Occupation Medal Germany/Japan, National Defense Medal OLC, Vietnam Service Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 3 bronze stars, Good conduct Medal 6th award and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

After retiring from the Army, he and his wife Chico settled in Shirley, MA for over 30 years. Ralph was involved in shipping, receiving and inventory control, working at the Grand Lodge of Masons in Boston as well as MCI Shirley.

He was the Past President of the Shirley Lions Club, Past Chef De Gare of the Voiture 1418 40/8 and a member of the American Legion and VFW. Ralph was a Past Master of St. Paul Masonic Lodge, Ayer, MA as well as member of the Valley of Boston, Scottish Rite and the Aleppo Shrine.

Ralph was an amazing family historian, spending decades researching his family genealogy back more than 10 generations and exploring DNA testing to help connect his family roots with others seeking theirs as well.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Chizuko (Morikawa) Sheldon, his son, John Sheldon (wife Cynthia) of Apex, NC, Charles Sheldon (wife Elizabeth) of Shirley, MA & Debra (Sheldon) Saucier (husband David) of Fall River, MA, grandchildren Morgan Sheldon of Apex, NC, Paul Sheldon Saucier, Ryan Saucier and Isabelle Saucier all of Fall River, MA and several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased, by his children Cindy Sheldon, Robert Sheldon and Paul Sheldon as well as all of his siblings, Izella Clark, Clifford Sheldon, Marjorie Apps, Emma Burkett, Paul Sheldon, John Sheldon, Elsie Gutknecht & Charles Sheldon.

A Masonic Service will be held on February 8, 2020 at 11:30 AM at the New Bedford Masonic Lodge, 435 County Street, New Bedford, MA.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Relevant Church, 100 W. South St, Corry, PA. at 10:30 A.M.

Burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation directed to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children – Boston, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114.