Keith S. Sheldon

Born in Buffalo on May 3, 1934, he moved with his mother, the late Ora Vande Velde Lesch, to Fredonia in 1945. He attended Barker Street School in Fredonia, graduated from Fredonia High School in 1951, and from Syracuse University School of Journalism in 1957. While in college, he worked at the Syracuse Post-Standard.

After graduation, he and his wife, the late Nancy Parker Sheldon, also a 1951 graduate of Fredonia High School, returned to Fredonia. Mr. Sheldon resumed his career at the OBSERVER. In addition to reporter, he was sports editor for 12 years and then city editor followed by managing editor. After retiring, Mr. Sheldon had the honor of working with Congressmen Amo Houghton and Jack Quinn.

A huge sports fan, his favorite teams were the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Syracuse Orange. Syracuse basketball teams coached by Jim Boeheim delighted him for years. As sports editor, he went to one World Series and one NCAA basketball final four.

He was an active member of the Dunkirk-Fredonia Lions Club where he served as president for two years. Later, he was in charge of the club’s loan closet at his home. He was a member of the Barker Library board of directors for more than 30 years. He also was a member of the Fredonia Planning Board and previously served on the Salvation Army Board of Directors. He attended the Fredonia First United Methodist Church for many years. He was very active in a local ping pong group that met weekly. An avid walker, he had several routes in the village. He loved animals and had been predeceased by several beloved cats.

He was recently predeceased by a step-sister, Lora Lee Haines of Florida. He is survived by his three children, Holly (Mark) Kimborowicz of Chardon, Ohio, Brent (Nancy) Sheldon of Jamestown, and Bruce (Gina) Sheldon of Fredonia; four grandchildren Ryan and Mackenzie Sheldon of Fredonia, Alison (Ryan Groene) Kimborowicz of Charleston, SC and Anna (Alex Deems) Kimborowicz of Dayton, OH; step-granddaughter Katie (Eric) Musso of Orchard Park, and two step-great grandsons, Dylan and Ronan Musso.

The family suggests donations in Mr. Sheldon’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Chautauqua County Humane Society.

Calling hours will be held Friday from 2-4 pm & 6-8 pm at the LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home, 20 Central Avenue, Fredonia. Funeral services will be held at the Fredonia First United Methodist Church, 25 Church Street, Fredonia, Saturday morning at 11 am. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by David J. Dengler.