Patrick Sheedy:
CLASS OF 1961
Cardinal Mindszenty High SchoolClass of 1961
Dunkirk, NY
Corning Community CollegeClass of 2003
Corning, NY
Dunkirk Industrial High SchoolClass of 1961
Dunkirk, NY
St. Mary's High SchoolClass of 1957
Dunkirk, NY
Dunkirk Elementary School 7Class of 1957
Dunkirk, NY
Patrick's Story
My Life Story is meant for my classmates and my children and their families.
I was born Patrick Michael Sheedy April 28, 1943, my parents were John Frederick and Christine (Jaworski) Sheedy, and raised (along with four younger brothers: James P.; Thomas J.; John D.; & Joseph M.) in Dunkirk, NY. My DNA estimate indicates a Sheedy/Walters-Jaworski heritage of 49% E. European (Polish/Prussian/Czech), 31% Irish, 11% Baltic, 4% Sweden-Denmark, 2% Scotland, 1% Norway, & 2% Germanic EU..
I lived, and worked, primarily in western New York State. I made my home in: Dunkirk; Jamestown; Cheektowaga; Batavia; Oakfield; Dansville; Groveland; Springwater; and Corning before settling in Wayland, NY in 1984. Moved in 2007 to Springville, NY (south of Buffalo), and again in 2009 to Aberdeen, NC. Currently residing (since 2011) in Painted Post, NY while we cared for my wife's younger brother (back injury) and her parents who are in their 80s. (till they passed). Also we became "snowbirds" in 2014 alternating between NYS and SC (at our daughter's home in North Augusta).. In the past, I traveled the US coast to coast; with brief excursions into Canada, Mexico, and the Bahamas.
My Family
I married Linda L. Hendrick in Brocton, NY in June 1967, we had two children: Yvonne Lyn (28 Nov 1968), and Brian Patrick (1 Sept 1972). This marriage ended in divorce in 1976, Linda then married Walter J. Hinds and they secretly left New York State after 1982 with our two children (Yvonne L. and Brian P., and changed their names (without my knowledge or consent, to Hinds while living in Delaware, Ohio). Yvonne after graduation from Hayes HS in 1986 joined the the Army, Brian after graduating from the same school in 1991 joined the USAF. These events brought me much joy, but even greater sorrow.
Recently (Sept. 2021) I discovered on Ancestry.com I found out I have a 30 year old granddaughter DNA match. My daughter Yvonne had a girl, Marissa DesJardins. (13 Jun 1991) with her first husband.. Through Marissa (DesJardins) Davis I also found out I my daughter had a 24 year old son, Joseph Corpina,. 8 Jan 1997 in Texas with her second husband. My daughter. and her offspring are apparently living in Texas.
Met and married Marilyn (Horton-Dusablon) in August 1981, we had two children: Laura Christine (6/11/82) and Pamela Marie (6/5/87). Therefore, I claim seven children (2 mine, 3 hers, and 2 ours). Daniel, age 34, died in an auto accident in 2004. That left 2 boys and 4 girls, whose current ages range 33 through 53 in 2021. Daughter Pamela married Charles Drake, They had our first (known) granddaughter Elena in 2015. Pam works as a substitute teacher at Bradford Central School when not a stay at home mom now. Daughter Laura was an elementary school administrator near Aberdeen, NC, and after we came back to NY in 2011, she enlisted in the US Navy. She was a First Class Petty Officer and stationed on the East coast and exited the Navy after 9 years to explore the medical field. When I originally wrote this, I had no current information about my first two, but understand they are (or were) married and live in the southwest US (Yvonne in Texas/Brian in NM). On August 18, 2012 I had the pleasure of officiating at the marriage of my step-son Mark Dusablon and Rebecca Travis. in January 2014 they presented me with Orion, another grandson. Mark is now employed as a technician by a construction firm in Steuben County, NY and has 3 sons and a daughter (Dominic; Landon; Orion; & Finley), Gloria my step-daughter, married Cory Briglin in 1993 She received her Master in Education, and is a reading specialist teacher in North Carolina. I am proud of all my children and grandchildren.
My Education:
I attended my first two years at Dunkirk Elementary School #7 before entering second grade at the former St. Mary's Academy in Dunkirk, where I graduated in 1957. I attended Cardinal Mindszenty HS from 1957 through 1960 where I participated in: track & cross country; radio club K2MJU; and student council. I transferred to, and graduated from, Dunkirk Industrial HS in 1961 with a NY Regents HS and a school "Electric Shop" diploma. I belonged to the DIHS radio club K2PCQ, the yearbook staff, and was the photographer for 1961 Tradesman Yearbook. After graduation I enlisted in the USAF, but was not able to serve due to a heart murmur.
In 1998 I matriculated at Corning Community College, entering their new Network Technology A.A.S. Degree Program. I was working full-time at Sunoco, (50 hours/week) and was only able to take 1 or 2 evening courses per semester. In 1999 I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, Beta Beta Zeta Chapter of the International Honor Society with a GPA of 4.0. I was elected the Beta Beta Zeta Chapter treasurer, and my daughter Laura was elected as the chapter president the same year at CCC. I graduated first in the program on May 23, 2003, with a GPA of 3.960 and received program honors and the CCC "Network Technology Award". I was also recognized as the oldest graduate that year. Also in 1999, I created a 4 credit hour course on data and voice communications and taught it at CCC as a visiting lecturer-adjunct faculty.
In September 2003, I enrolled at Keuka College to pursue a BS Degree in Organizational Management with minor in Psychology. I have also taken additional courses at Genesee Community College and Finger Lakes Community College. I graduated in May 2005 from Keuka College, summa cum laude (GPA 3.91/4.0). I was also certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (crisis intervention) at the University of Maryland BC, and pursued a Master of Divinity degree at Northeastern Seminary in 2006. In Sept. 2007, I suffered a stroke, was hospitalized in Buffalo a month, and put seminary on hold. When I recovered in December, I returned to pastoral ministry. In 2010, I completed an Effective Teaching course at Sandhills Community College.
Employment:
While in high school, and after graduation, I worked as a 2-way radio technician on police and fire radio systems in Cha...Expand for more
utauqua County. Between 1962 and 1970 I was employed in a variety of electrical/electronic/telecommunication jobs which lasted anywhere from 6 months to three years. I worked as a: Press Operator for Ford Motor Co. in Buffalo; QC Electrical Inspector for AMF Hydrospace on a Navy torpedo project in Cheektowaga; Maintenance Electrician at Roblin Seaway Steel in Dunkirk, and at Marlin-Rockwell TRW in Jamestown; Sr. Electronics Technician at GTE Sylvania in Batavia; and, Field Service Representative (2-way radio technician) for RCA Communications in Buffalo, NY.
In 1970, when RCA closed its Communications Field office in Buffalo, I joined Atlantic Pipeline Company as a Communications Technician in western NYS. It then became ARCO Pipe Line Co.; later this division was sold and became Atlantic Pipeline Corp. In 1986, Atlantic Pipeline Corp. was purchased by SUN Company (Sunoco) and became part of Sun Pipe Line Company and my job title changed from Microwave Technician to Systems Technician. In 2002 the company reorganized again, and became Sunoco Pipeline LP. The names changed, but they were all successor employers and essentially the same job locations. My duties included installation, repair, and maintenance of all electronic Communication systems, Computers and LANS, Telephone, SCADA, Satellite, as well as VHF & Microwave radio.
While working for the above oil companies, I was also the Big Flats District union representative or steward for western NYS and a Local Union officer. I served as local union Vice-president, Trustee, contract negotiator, Chaplain, and national union delegate. I represented:: Atlantic Independent Union; Sun Pipeline Employees Assn; OCAW Local 8-100; and after a union merger, PACE Local 2-100. In 2003 Sunoco downsized and my position eliminated, so I took early retirement in December. While seeking full time reemployment, I continued doing preaching and counseling part-time. I also became a high school substitute teacher at Wayland-Cohocton Central School. In 1990 I became a Christian counselor, and a certified pulpit supply preacher, working for various churches before being appointed the Senior Pastor of Brooklyn Free Methodist Church in East Otto, NY where I served from May 2006 until June 2009.
Moving to Aberdeen, NC, I again became semi-retired. I served as a Chaplain at Moore Regional Hospital, and was ordained an Elder at Calvary Chapel of the Sandhills (Aberdeen,NC) In September 2010, I was certified as a Substitute Teacher for both Hoke County and Moore County Schools. I very much enjoyed working in Pre-K through 5th grade at West Hoke Elementary School and also at Vass-Lakeview Elementary.
In 2011, upon returning to NYS to attend the Class of 1961 CMHS Reunion, we were asked to stay to care for my wife's brother and her parents who are in their 80s (until they passed 2014/2016). I was an Elder, (& volunteer) Assistant Pastor, and Director of Disciple-making at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Campbell, NY.
With the death of my wife's mother, and my wife's retirement, in 2014, we became "snowbirds" and spent our winters down south at our daughter's home in North Augusta. In October of 2019 while visiting in North Augusta, I was notified my Brother Tom (USMC Vietnam Vet) had passed 10/03/19 in Charlotte, NC due to brain cancer.
My Other Interests:
Primary hobby is Amateur (ham) Radio, presently FCC licensed as W2DHB.
Current radio memberships include: American Radio Relay League; Corning Amateur Radio Association; Military Auxiliary Radio System (Navy, and Air Force MARS); Amateur Radio Emergency Service; and Moore County Amateur Radio Society. I am also a certified volunteer FCC license examiner. In addition, I enjoy photography (both film and digital formats), and flying airplanes. I am a FAA licensed private pilot, and prefer flying high winged aircraft like Cessna, but enjoy all types. My favorite flight was when I was offered a seat in a Confederate Air Force B-25, and flew from Kansas to Texas.
I also enjoy public service. As an adult volunteer Scout leader for 21 years, I served in various Cub, Boy, and Explorer units in western NYS. In 1972 I became the Livingston County Civil Defense Radio Officer and was the ARES Emergency Coordinator for several years. As a NYS trained volunteer fireman, I served seven years as a firefighter; with 2 years as a Lieutenant and 1 year as Captain in the Town of Groveland, NY.
Memberships:
Professional memberships included: American Association of Christian Counselors; American Psychological Association; National Association of Radio and Telecommunications Engineers; National Association of Business and Educational Radio; Network and Systems Professionals Association; Society for Christian Psychology; and North Carolina Chaplains Association.
Other memberships included: National Eagle Scout Association; Mount Morris Masonic Lodge #122 where I served as Master in 1979, the Royal Arch Chapter 91 of Dansville; and the Patrons of Husbandry (aka Grange). I held several offices in local, county, and NY State Grange units. These included six terms as Master (president) of Springwater Grange, two terms as Master of Coopers Plains Grange, several terms as Livingston County Grange Chaplain, and eight terms as New York Grange Deputy State Master. Elected and served two terms each as Vice president, and later President, of the New York State Grange Deputies Association.
My main interests since retired is: spending time with our grandchildren, daily operating on Amateur Radio as station W2DHB or as part of MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System) and researching family ancestry . We enjoy our time down south in the Carolina's as "snowbirds". All things considered, I am still enjoying a great life, and in fairly good heath (as we self-isolated at my daughter's home in SC or home in Painted Post NY) due to the Wuhan COVID-19 Virus, and at the age of 78, after getting the Moderna COVID 19 vaccine, I attended the DHS 60th Alumni on. 9/11/21, and gave the invocation.
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