John Sheldon III

John L. Sheldon, III, 80, of Wakefield, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026 at Westerly Hospital. He was the husband of the late Joyce (Barrett) Zinsser. Born in Cranston, he was a son of the late John Sheldon II and Eleanore (Barris) Sheldon.

John proudly entered the United States Navy after graduating from high school and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. Following his military service, he went on to run Sheldon Furniture beginning in 1968. John dedicated 57 years to the Wakefield Fire Department and also served as an EMT with the South County Ambulance Company. He was honored to serve as South Kingstown Parade Marshal and was always eager to help, often cooking and serving food to local residents. Known throughout the community for his friendly smile and warm personality, John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

John is survived by his two sons, Corey Taylor and his wife Kristen and Kyle Taylor, a sister, Janet Boyle, a niece Karen Boyle and a nephew Peter Boyle and many cousins. He was the brother of the late James "Jimmy" Sheldon.

Visitation for John will held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A graveside service with military honors will take place on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11 AM in the Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown.