Obituary of Frederick Francis Sheeler
Frederick Francis Sheeler, a lifelong resident of North Plainfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, at the age of 79. Born on January 8, 1945, at Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, NJ to the late Thomas and Anna Sheeler, Fred’s life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and love for his family, faith, and community.
Fred graduated from North Plainfield High School in 1963 and soon after began his career with an apprenticeship at the Courier News in Plainfield, NJ. He worked as a graphic artist for 10 years at the newspaper before continuing his career with AT&T, and CommonHealth, until his retirement in 2012.
One of the most cherished stories of Fred’s life is how he met his beloved wife, Lois. Lois and Fred both attended North Plainfield High School and though they knew of each other, it wasn’t until just before New Year’s Eve in 1965 that their paths crossed. Fred asked Lois out, and they spent New Year’s Eve together. The night was magical, and the connection they made was undeniable. They fell in love, and in 1968, Fred and Lois were married, beginning a beautiful journey together that spanned 55 wonderful years.
Fred was a man of deep faith, a devout Catholic who received his sacraments at Saint Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in North Plainfield, NJ. Later in life, he became a dedicated parishioner at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in North Plainfield, where he served as an usher and Eucharistic minister..
Beyond his professional life, Fred believed in giving back to his community. He was a founding member of the Optimist Club in North Plainfield and served the organization faithfully for many years. His leadership and passion for his high school were evident in his role as co-president of the North Plainfield Alumni Association.
Fred enjoyed watching sports, particularly the New York Giants and old Westerns, never tiring of episodes he had seen many times before. He also enjoyed family vacations and traveling, venturing to the Jersey Shore, Grand Canyon, Arizona, Florida, and Costa Rica. However, his greatest joy in life was his family. Fred was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was deeply involved in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, attending their sporting events, taking them on special day trips, and always being there as a loving and dependable “Pop Pop.” His family was the center of his world, and his love for them was boundless.
Fred is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lois Stine Sheeler; his three cherished children: David Sheeler and wife Jennifer, Emily Sheeler, and Julie Lyons and husband Matthew; his four adored grandchildren: Emma and Owen Sheeler, and Benjamin and Isabelle Lyons. He also leaves behind four sisters: Barbara Rodgers, Brenda Moon, Bernadette Hamer, and Carol Cwieka and her husband Bill, who will all miss him dearly. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who all loved and adored “Uncle Freddy,” as well as extended family members and friends.
Fred will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 9:30 AM at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church, 300 Clinton Ave. North Plainfield, NJ, followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery in Scotch Plains, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred’s loving name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
