Obituary of John D. Sheckton

Mr. John D."Sonny" Sheckton, 74, of Amsterdam, passed away Tuesday September 13, 2011 at home with his loving family at his side. Born in Amsterdam NY on January 18, 1937 son of the late John Patrick and Winifred Wisniewski Sheckton. He was a lifelong Amsterdam resident and was a 1954 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. John went on to receive his Associate's Degree at Empire State College and was a U.S. Army Veteran Serving from 1955 to 1957. John was employed by the State of New York in the Office of General Services as a Civil Engineer. He was employed from 1957 until retiring in 1994. He served as Alderman for two terms on the Common Council in the City of Amsterdam from 1969 to 1972. Mr. Sheckton was at one time the Democratic Party Amsterdam City Chairman. He was a member of the Frank J. Sirchia Post in Amsterdam and was a communicant of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. John enjoyed golf, gardening, cooking and was an avid New York Yankees fan. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Mr. Sheckton married Jean M. Spagnola Sheckton on May 19, 1957. . In addition to his beloved wife survivors include three sons, David Sheckton and his wife Janice of Galway, NY. Peter Sheckton and his wife Kathy of Amsterdam, NY and John Sheckton Jr. and his companion Gretchen Bonk of Ballston Spa, NY. Two daughters, Jodi A. Sheckton of Naples, Florida and Joyce Lazarou and her husband Jeffrey of Amsterdam, NY. Three sisters, Jane Francisco of Bonita Springs, FL, Josephine Jaworski of Amsterdam and Mary Rossi of Amsterdam. Five cherished grandchildren, Jennifer Lazarou, Alex Sheckton, Nicholas Lazarou, Leanne Sheckton and Karleen Sheckton. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Friday, September 16, 2011 at 11:15A.M. at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Amsterdam with Father John Medwid and Deacon Mike Ryba. Interment will follow in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Amsterdam. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday September 16, 2011 prior to the Mass from 9:45A.M. until 11:00A.M. at St. Mary's Church Chapel, East Main St. Amsterdam. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice of Amsterdam or to the Catholic Charities Food Pantry of Amsterdam.