Retired Fire Chief of the Melrose Fire Department
MELROSE — It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Fire Chief Charles J. “Charlie” Sheridan who courageously served in the Melrose Fire Department for 35 years. Chief Sheridan passed away on March 15 at the age of 84 leaving behind a legacy of leadership and unwavering dedication.
Charlie was born on November 13, 1940 in Melrose. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1959 and began work as a carpenter. In 1964 he joined the fire department and through much hard work and sacrifice, rose through the ranks to become chief in 1992. His career protecting and caring for others is a model of community service.
Beyond the firehouse, Chief Sheridan was a devoted partner, parent, grandparent and friend. His love for his large and complex family was every bit as consistent as his dedication to duty. He married Patricia Dawes of Melrose in 1965 and they raised three children in Melrose. Patricia died in 1994 and by marrying Louise Rizzo in 1996, Charlie gained a second family.
Charlie is survived by his wife Louise; his son Michael Sheridan (and wife Kristina) of Cornwall, VT; his daughter Debbie Sheridan of Chicago, IL; his son JJ Sheridan of Waltham; his stepson David Rizzo (and his wife Beth) of Woburn; his stepdaughter Marie Rizzo of Melrose; and his stepdaughter Jackie Goo (and her husband Duane) of Gardner. He leaves his siblings Marie Copp (and her late husband George ‘Hank’ Copp) of Peabody; Joseph Sheridan (and his late wife Ingrid) of Raymond, NH; and Sandra Crowley (and her husband Joel) of Melrose. His sisters-in-law include Kathleen Sheridan (wife of his late brother James) of Danvers; Jean Sheridan (wife of his late brother Robert) of Melrose; Joyce Sheridan (ex-wife of his late brother Richard) of Rutland; and Janet Flannery of Amesbury. Charlie was predeceased by his sisters Joan Ross (and her late husband Kenneth) and Barbara Morrison (and her late husband Daniel), both of Melrose. ‘Papa’ is also survived by two grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Charlie Sheridan will be remembered not only for his heroism in the face of danger, but also for the way that his persistence through difficult situations anchored everyone around him. His work ethic and loyalty were apparent at the fire station, at home, in the many parts of Melrose that he built as a general contractor and for Gray’s Appliance and even at church. As a member of St. Mary’s Parish, Charlie served as a Eucharist Minister. Charlie’s alarm has sounded for the last time, but his legacy of courage and service persists.
A firefighter’s funeral and visiting hours will be held from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22 at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St Mary’s Church, 4 Herbert St., Melrose at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Charlie’s honor to The Leary Firefighters Foundation, learyfirefighters.org, 33 Park Pl., Box 243, New York, NY 10007 or Perkins School for the Blind, perkins.org, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472.
Rest in peace, Chief Sheridan. Your watch is over, but your spirit burns bright in the lives you touched. To sign online condolence, visit gatelyfh.com.