Robert Joseph Sheskey

Robert Joseph Sheskey, a World War II veteran and master vegetable gardener, died on Sunday, August 17, 2014, in his home. He was 90.

Bob was born on July 3, 1924, to the late John and Mildred Russell Sheskey in Buchtel, Ohio. He graduated from Buchtel High School in 1943, where he played trombone in the marching band and was a star athlete. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army, serving as a sergeant in the China Burma India Theatre during World War II.

A 1949 graduate of Ohio University, Bob began teaching with the South Bloomingville School District, before accepting a position with Jacksonville-Trimble. There he established his coaching career, including boys’ varsity basketball. He was named the 1965 SEOAL athletic conference Coach of the Year with his Nelsonville High School team. He retired in 1983, as principal of Nelsonville-York High School.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Parish, the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Lodge and the Athens County Democratic Party. He served on the Nelsonville City Council, the Nelsonville-York School Board and the Athens Metropolitan Housing Authority Commission.

Bob was actively involved in the community, serving as president of the Nelsonville Food Cupboard Board of Directors until his death.

A respected educator and dedicated volunteer, Bob advocated for the health, welfare, and dignity of all – especially the most vulnerable among us. His volunteer efforts focused on the Nelsonville Soup Kitchen and a Backpack Program that provided weekend nutrition to elementary students.

On February 5, 1949,he married Joanne McConnaughey, his wife of 65 years, at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church Rectory in Dayton. He returns to her side, as she passed in April of this year.

He leaves the family that he loved with a gracious and generous spirit. He is survived by his five adoring daughters – Debby Sheskey of Nelsonville; Linda (David) Keyes of Hilliard; Susan (Ken) Scarbro of Columbus; Nancy (Rocky) Smathers of Buchtel; and Margaret (Larry Lafferty) Sheskey of Athens. His darling pets Peyton, Mitzi, Janet, PJ Trouble, and Doris Day will miss him.

His words of faith and wisdom serve as guideposts for his grandchildren – Gretchen Smathers of Pittsburgh; Brice Keyes of New York City; Flynt Smathers of The Plains; Grant Keyes of Fort Worth, TX; Travis Smathers of Buchtel; Sarah Keyes of Cold Springs, KY; Ben (Colleen) Scarbro of Columbus; and Joe Scarbro of Urbana, IL. His great-granddaughter Anna Scarbro will arrive later this month.

Bob belonged to a fun-loving, supportive group of twelve Sheskey cousins whose company he enjoyed immensely.

His brother, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law Thomas and Victoria Sheskey of Marion; Clara Sheskey of Hingham, MA; Thomas Meade of Cincinnati; and Mary Morgan of Athens survive, as do his beloved nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William Sheskey; sister Elizabeth Sheskey Meade; sisters-in-law Dot Bradfield Sheskey, Betty Lou Fryman, Betty Story McConnaughey, and Jeanne Morgan; brothers-in-law Roger Morgan, David McConnaughey and Dick Fryman; and two nephews, a great nephew and a great niece.

His family is grateful to Dr. Marjorie Devol, Molly Hicks, and the staff of Doctors Hospital Nelsonville for the expert and compassionate care they provided for him.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, at St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church (17645 Bank St., Buchtel, OH. 45716) with Father Christopher Foxhoven officiating. Interment will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Buchtel. Friends and family are welcome to call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 22, at Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home (46 Fayette St, Nelsonville, Ohio, 45764). A funeral vigil will be conducted at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts will be accepted by the Nelsonville Food Cupboard to the care of Judi Rioch, Treasurer, 15015Woollett Rd., Nelsonville, OH, 45764.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com