Clarence J. Sheley, Jr.

Clarence J. Sheley, Jr., 106, formerly of Hungerford Street, Adams, passed away May 25, 2024 at the Samaritan Keep Home where he had been a resident.

Mr. Sheley was born September 25, 1917, in Watertown, son of Clarence J. and Gertrude M. (Dack) Sheley, Sr. A native of Watertown, he later lived in the Cazenovia area and graduated from Georgetown High School. In 1939, he graduated from Simmons School of Mortuary Science.

Mr. Sheley has been a resident of the village of Adams since 1957 when he started an apprenticeship with Piddock Funeral Home, a business he later owned in partnership with Ross Vroman. Mr. Sheley was a local funeral director for over 50 years. He retired from that business several years ago.

He served in the United Stats Navy during WWII being honorably discharged in 1946. Serving in the Pacific Theater during the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the invasion of Japan. In 1973 he received the Meritorious Service Award from the Selective Service System.

He and his wife Marie N. DeMarse, who was a native of Adams, were married on November 30, 1939. Mrs. Sheley passed away June 10, 2003.

Mr. Sheley was a charter member of the South Jefferson Lions Club and held several offices in the service organization. He was also a local member of the Masonic Lodge and was one of the founders of Little League Baseball in Adams. He was also a life member of Don Rounds American Legion Post #586 in Adams and the South Jefferson VFW Post #5344.

He has been a member of the Adams Village Baptist Church for many years and served as treasurer, a board of trustees and deacon.

Mr. Sheley also served as president of the Elmwood Cemetery Association for approximately 10 years and was a member of the cemetery’s board of trustees for several additional years. For many years, until the formation of the South Jefferson Rescue Squad the Piddock Funeral Home also operated the only ambulance service based in the local area. Mr. Sheley also served on the Executive committee of the New York State Funeral Directors Association and as president of the Jeff- Lewis Funeral Directors Association.

Mr. and Mrs. Sheley were avid hunters for many years and had a camp near Rodman. Since his retirement Mr. Sheley enjoys his hobby of wood working, creating; clam baskets, quilt racks, tables, plant stands and banks resembling the Adams Village Baptist Church with a spire.

Mr. Sheley’s children are: Bonnie Kellogg, and the late Robert Sheley, his daughter-in-law Kathy Sheley. He is known as “Bompy” to his 6 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren. A sister Carol E. Butler died in 2012.

Mr. Sheley’s family would like to thank the staff of the Samaritan Keep Home for the kind and wonderful care they gave to Clarence.

Calling hours will be held Thursday at the Adams Village Baptist Church from beginning at 10 am followed by a noon funeral service at the church. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Adams Village Baptist Church, 24 East Church Street, Adams, NY 13605 or to the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, 38 Main Street, Adams, NY 13605

Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com

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