Raymond A. Sheffield Obituary

My family was fortune enough to have Ray as a neighbor for 10 years. Ray's kindness and gentle personality made a lasting impression on our children. Upon hearing the news, many vivid recounts of our conversations on the Red Sox or the inclement New England weather passed through my mind. Even as I write this, I can taste the many fine dishes that he shared with our family. He will be missed not only for his conversation, but for his warmth and generosity.

Ray and I became acquainted through Ancestry.com. We shared a 5th ggrandfather, and as my branch of the Sheffields left RI in the early 1800's, you can imagine the thrill to reconnect with my long lost cousin!

On a trip to New England in 2012, I met Ray in the vicinity of the still standing old family homestead, in Charlestown, RI. We had lunch together and I was so glad to spend time with such a wonderful man. His interest

Ray and I became acquainted through Ancestry.com. We shared a 5th ggrandfather, and as my branch of the Sheffields left RI in the early 1800's, you can imagine the thrill to reconnect with my long lost cousin!

On a trip to New England in 2012, I met Ray in the vicinity of the still standing old family homestead, in Charlestown, RI. We had lunch together and I was so glad to spend time with such a wonderful man. His interest in the family genealogy amazed me, since he started out the old fashioned way. No computers and a lot of leg work. Over the years that followed, we exchanged information that was enlightening and exciting for both of us.

Ray will truly be missed by many, as his sweet demeanor and wit were unforgettable. My wife Helene and I want to extend our deepest condolences to Ray's immediate family.

I have a memory that goes back a long ways. In the late 60's or early 70's Ray and Bob were in California for some reason. They surprised my mother, Mildred (O'Brien) Taylor with a visit. Mother was so excited she called me to come over and see them and say hi. I don't think they ever realized how much it meant to mother that the came to see her.