PATRICK J. SHEREDA

Patrick J. Shereda, aged 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Medford.  Pat was born in Medford on March 17, 1920, the only son of John and Mayme (née Fredricks) Shereda and graduated from Medford High School in 1936.  Pat volunteered for military service in World War II, during which time he became a pilot, flying a B-24 “Liberator” out of Southern Italy until he was shot down on his 13^th mission in 1944, and escaped with the help of the Italian Resistance during a harrowing two week trek across the mountains of Northern Italy into Switzerland.  He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.  Pat returned home to Medford in 1945 to care for his parents and there met his wife to be, the beautiful Betty Marti.  Betty and Pat were married in 1948 and celebrated their 68^th wedding anniversary on October 16.  He joined the Medford Post Office in the late 1940’s, where he became Postmaster in 1962, having been appointed by President John F. Kennedy.  He retired from the Post Office in 1976.  Pat was a lifetime resident of Medford and an active member of the community and Holy Rosary Parish.  Following his retirement he, among other things, served on the Medford City Council and worked for many years in hospice.  He loved golfing – was instrumental in the development of the Black River Golf Course – bowling, playing poker, and going out with the guys to cook a meal in the woods.  Pat is survived by his wife Betty, of Medford, six children and five grandchildren.  Services for Pat will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 28, 2016, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM.  Burial will take place at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery.  A reception in honor of Patrick will be held at the Black River Country Club, immediately following burial to celebrate his life and times, sense of justice and decency and his kind and generous spirit.  He will be greatly missed.