Francis J. Sheaff, 61
Retired Cemetery Superintendent
Dateline: Norton, MA
Francis J. Sheaff, 61, recently of Norton and formerly a lifelong resident of Mansfield died unexpectedly on Monday July 24, 2006 while on vacation in South Yarmouth. He was the beloved husband of Theresa A. (Uva) Sheaff to whom he was wed to on April 22, 1967.
Born in Brockton, MA on March 31, 1945 he was a loving son of the late Edward E. and Ruth A. (Devine) Sheaff, Sr.
He was educated in Mansfield and was a 1963 graduate of Mansfield High School. He proudly served in The United States Marine Corps during The Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on February 3, 1967 with the rank of Sgt. (E-5) Shortly after he married his beloved bride Theresa.
He served as the Superintendent of The Spring Brook Cemetery in Mansfield for 15 years before retiring, a position his late father Edward had also held. He had formerly worked at the former Owens Illinois Co. in Mansfield.
He was an active communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Mansfield. He was a member and a past Grand Knight of the George C. Shields Council 420 Knights of Columbus in Mansfield. He was also a member of St. John’s council 404 Knights of Columbus in Attleboro and was a 4th degree member of the Edward White assembly 398 Knights of Columbus. He had also served as a former District Deputy for the Knights of Columbus.
While living in Mansfield, he was a member of the Mansfield Grange. He was a member and past president of the Citizens Scholarship Foundation in Mansfield. He was also am member and a former coach of the Mansfield Little League Association. While living in Norton for the past 1 ½ years he was a member of the Norton Council on Aging.
He was a member of the Single Action Shooting Society. He was a member of the North Attleboro DAV. Mr. Sheaff enjoyed the times spent with his loving family and in recent years with his cherished grandchildren.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 39 years he is survived by his devoted sons Michael F. Sheaff and his wife Kelly of North Attleboro and Stephen E. Sheaff and his wife Beth of Norton. His brothers and sister: Edward E. Sheaff, Jr. Of Mansfield, Walter T. Sheaff of Ludlow, Roland K. Sheaff of Munson and Charlotte A. Guinazzo of Texas. Also survived by his cherished and adored grandchildren Hayley, Abigail, Giovanni, Josephine and Kori as well as his many nieces and nephews.
His funeral, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Friday July 28th at 9:30 A.M. from the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home 55 north Main St. Mansfield followed by a mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10:30 A.M. in St. Mary’s church 330 Pratt St. (Route 106) Mansfield. Burial with military honors will follow at 1:15 P.M. in The Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday July 27th from 5-8 P.M. at the funeral Home
Due to the limitation of flowers allowed at the National Cemetery and Mr. Sheaff’s involvement at the Norton Council on Aging his family has requested that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his memory to the Norton Council on Aging Drop in Center Building Fund 55 West Main St. Norton, MA 02766.
For additional information please visit www.shermanjackson.com