Walter Thomas Sheaff of Ludlow, MA passed away peacefully on January 20 at Mercy Hospital with his loving wife Jan, beloved son Matthew, and sister-in-law Jo-Ann Sheaff by his side.
He was the son of Edward Everett and Ruth (DeVine) Sheaff. He was born in Brockton, MA, and lived in Mansfield, MA for most of his early life.
Tom, as he was known, graduated from Mansfield High School, Johnson and Wales University, and West Virginia State College.
Loving his country very much, he enlisted in the Marines and served most of his time in Vietnam during the War. He received numerous medals for his service.
After that he worked at the Foxboro Company in Foxboro, MA. With this company he worked as a Branch Administrator in the company's offices in Charleston, WV and Wilmington, DE.
After his son was born, he returned to Ludlow, MA and worked at Temp-Pro in Northampton as a process control engineer. He was also an independent real estate appraiser and an account salesman at Noonan Energy.
Tom was the Past Grand Knight of Council 4694 in St. Albans, WV where he made many lasting friendships. Here his family received the National Family of the Year Award. In Chicopee, MA he was 3rd degree member of the Fairview Council No. 4044 of the Knights of Columbus. Tom was also a 4th degree member of Pope John XXIII Council 2434 in St. Albans.
Tom was an active member of Christ the King Church in Ludlow, MA where he was an officer in the Men's Guild and worked at the Parish Bingos. He also held offices at the Polish American Citizens' Club where he also worked Wednesday Bingo. Tom was also an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 180 of Ludlow and a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was appointed to serve on the Board of the Ludlow Council on Aging. He was active in promoting elder issues, lively conversations, card games with his friends, and assisting at many jobs at the Ludlow Senior Center.
His family, his Church, and his friends were very important to him. He loved to golf -- he had two registered holes-in-one with the National Golf Association.
Tom loved Cape Cod and all his friends and memories at Bayview in Bourne, MA. Tom was a "people person" and immensely enjoyed the company of others.
He is survived by his wife Jan of 42 years and his son Matt, whom he was so proud of and loved so dearly.
He is also survived by his brother Edward of Wareham, MA, his brother Roland and his wife Jo-Ann of Monson, MA, and his brother-in-law Al Guinazzo of Wareham, MA. His brother Francis Sheaff and sister Charlotte Guinazzo predeceased him. Pepper, his dog, will miss him immensely.
A Catholic Mass of celebration will be held at Christ the King Church in Ludlow, MA on Thursday January 23 at 10 o'clock. Before the Mass, the family will welcome friends in the vestibule of the Church. All are invited to participate in the celebration of his life.
Tom will be buried with full military honors at the National Veterans Cemetery in Bourne, MA on Friday, January 24 at 11:15 AM
Everyone is invited to the military celebration in his honor.
Tom loved his family, his Church, bingos, the Senior Center and his friends at Bayview and West Virginia. He was a proud Marine. Semper Fi,