Orris Wright Sheldon III

Growing up, he lived in Erie, PA, Findlay, OH, and New Castle, PA, before ending in Greenville, PA. He was a communicant of St. Michael’s Church, where he served as an altar boy. He graduated from St. Michael’s Parochial School, where he played football and led the school’s first ever sit-down strike. He graduated from Thiel College with a degree in accounting. While at Thiel, he lettered in football, wrestling, and track and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

After graduation he went to work for Price Waterhouse in Chicago. With the outbreak of the Vietnam War, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served proudly for four years. After his stint in the Navy, he returned to Chicago and Price Waterhouse.

While home for a family friend’s son’s wedding, he met the woman who would become his wife, Cherie Hall Sheldon. They were married for 50 years. They eventually moved to Jamestown, NY, where he went to work at Seidman and Seidman. He taught many classes at company seminars, as well as teaching accounting at JCC. He continued his education in the MBA program at St. Bonaventure. After leaving Seidman and Seidman, he started Haines & Sheldon with another Greenville boy. Later, he embarked on his own to form Orris W. Sheldon, PC, where he continued to work until his death.

Orris was past president of the estate planning commission, a Lions Club member, and a past member of CVCC and Conewango Club.

Orrie and Cherie raised their children in Frewsburg, NY, where they were involved in football, baseball, track, cheerleading, softball, cub scouts and brownies. Orrie enjoyed taking them to their camp in the Allegheny National Forest where they camped and hiked. Being in the woods was his favorite activity. Whether hunting or hiking, it was his place of peace and calm. He enjoyed all sports but especially the Pittsburgh Steelers and high school and NCAA wrestling. At the age of 65, he took up skydiving, jumping once or twice a year. One of his greatest joys was being able to jump with his oldest granddaughter, Madison, last year.

He is survived by his wife Cheryl, son Patrick (Kathryn) Sheldon of Hummelstown, PA, daughter Morgan (Jim) Caflisch of Jamestown, NY, and his grandchildren Madison (Luke Tota), Kealy and Thane Caflisch, and Jane and Charlie Sheldon.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, November 18, 2024 in Peterson Funeral Home, Frewsburg. Friends will be received for one hour prior (11 am to noon) to the service on Monday in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Chautauqua County Humane Society or American Heart Association.

You may leave a memory of Orris and words of condolence by visiting www.petersonfh.net.