Obituary of Philip David Sheldon

Philip David Sheldon of Oswego, New York, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at home with his loving wife at his side. He was born in Fulton, New York on June 19, 1939 to the late Earl Howard Sheldon and Marjorie Rath Sheldon. The love of Phil's life was Adele Rowlee. They were joined in marriage in 1990. He loved his family, his stepson David A. Ludington, his wife Maria Segretto Ludington and their beautiful daughter Josie Ludington, and his longtime friend Raymond T. Elmer, who starting as a teenager had worked alongside of Phil for many years. He considered Ray as part of the family. Throughout the many years of his life, Phil had the good fortune of acquiring a few very close friends and with Phil, once you were his friend you were always his friend. Phil's occupation was muck land farming from which he got great satisfaction. He came by doing that quite naturally due to the fact that his Great Grandfather, Grandfather and Father were in the same business. He sold the farm and retired in 2007 being the last of four generations of Sheldon’s involved in that business. Phil credited much of whatever success he had in farming to his late cousin, one time employer, friend and mentor Kenneth A. Sheldon. He found farming to be challenging and at times stressful but in the end very rewarding in many different ways. He especially enjoyed his relationships with his fellow growers along with the collateral businesses, suppliers, advisers and the like. Phil always tried to be a good steward of the property that he was entrusted with. Phil was unapologetic, outspoken, and a proud supporter of former President Donald J. Trump and he was grateful when President Trump was swept back into the Presidency with a strong mandate winning a majority vote plus both houses of Congress. Justice finally prevailed! Phil was a true patriot. He considered himself to have been very blessed in that he lived at a time in our country's history when one still enjoyed the freedom along with many other of our God given liberties that we have to long taken for granted. Phil was a strong and faithful follower of the Christian faith. He was a long-standing member of the Mount Pleasant Church in Volney where he at times served on various committees. Phil was a 1957 graduate of Fulton High School in Fulton, New York. He was a long-standing member of the Oswego County Vegetable Growers Improvement Association. He also served a few years on the agricultural board of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Phil was predeceased by his parents Earl and Marjorie Rath Sheldon, his brother William Sheldon, his sister Fay Sheldon Mark and her husband Adolf Lee Mark, their daughter Carrie Hale Mark and by his brother, James Sheldon. Calling hours will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024 with services to follow at the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church. Phil's burial will be on his birthday, June 19, 2025, at Mt. Adnah Cemetery, Fulton, New York. In lieu of flowers, please give a donation in Phil’s memory toward new Bibles for the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 2819 County Route 45, Fulton, NY 13069. Condolences for the family may be left at www.brownfuneralhomefulton.com.