IN MEMORIAM: John T. Shufelt, 66;
Served 30 Years With SUNY Police
ONEONTA – John T. Shufelt, 66, of Oneonta, who retired from the SUNY Oneonta University Police after a 32-year career, lost his courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) Saturday, Aug.12, 2017, at home.
John was born on Feb. 9, 1951, in Cobleskill, to the late William F. and Mary (Byrne) Shufelt. He grew up in Middleburgh, with his one sister and three brothers and graduated from Middleburgh Central School, Class of 1969.
John served in the Army in 1971-74 in military intelligence and defense investigative service. He was employed by the Village of Middleburgh after the Army and served as a volunteer fireman for the Middleburgh Fire Department for two years.
In 1977, John moved to Oneonta and joined the University Police; he retired in 2009. He was very involved with police unions for many years.
He was married to Ellen Escher in July 1979 and fathered two sons, Michael and Matthew.
In his free time, John enjoyed watching the New York Yankees and was an avid NASCAR, football and basketball fan. He played pool for several years in the Oneonta City League.
John is survived by his sons, Michael of Oneonta, Matthew of New York City; mother of his sons, Ellen; sister, Barbara (Butch) Benham of Connecticut; brothers, Bill (Ann) Shufelt, Maryland, Joe (Dee) Shufelt of Ballston Spa and Bob (Paula) Shufelt of Cobleskill; many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
John and his family thank the residents of Country Club Apartments for all of their kindness, support and providing meals over the past year and also for the many visits, cards, and well wishes from family and friends both near and far. Thank you to Catskill Area Hospice, the ALS Center in Albany, the Veterans Administration and AM/PM Care for their support and care throughout this difficult journey.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 15, at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, 14 Grand St., Oneonta. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Amir Din, pastor of the West Oneonta Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow in the Middleburgh Cemetery, Middleburgh.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s memory to Catskill Area Hospice and Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820, or the ALS Association, P.O. Box 37022, Boone, IA 50037-0022.
Condolences to the family may be offered online by visiting www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home of Oneonta.
