Building a Life of Service

The values that have guided Jerry Sheldon’s life began with the lessons and examples passed down by his parents.

“My family lived hand to mouth,” he says. “Nothing was easy, but helping each other was what we did.”

His parents, members of the World War II generation, shaped his understanding of service from an early age. His mother served as a captain and surgical nurse in the U.S. Army. His father was caring and always eager to help anyone.

Jerry carried those lessons with him as he worked his way through college. He began at Erie Community College before studying engineering at Michigan Technological University, alternating semesters of work and school to pay his tuition. While on a work assignment, Jerry and a fellow student stayed with Marie, a widowed mother of five children. He recalls that Marie refused payment for room and board, asking only that the men act as big brothers to her children and always remember to pay kindness forward.

“Helping others will always be a part of my life,” Jerry says.

While Jerry pursued engineering, Mary Jo, his future wife, was attending Syracuse University. The two married while in college and, with Mary Jo’s encouragement and support, Jerry earned his master’s degree from Purdue University.

“Thank God Mary Jo was there with me!” Jerry says. “It wasn’t easy, but we got through it.”

Jerry’s career included leadership roles with the Linde Division of Union Carbide before he became owner of Lancaster Tanks and Steel Products in 1998. His experience in business eventually led him to community leadership.

Tom Heine, executive director of the former Food Bank of Western New York, and Mike Mann invited Jerry to become involved with the organization.

“I was overwhelmed by the talent and commitment of the Board,” Jerry says, “and I was thrilled to serve.”

Over the years, Jerry served in several leadership roles, including as the first Board Chair of FeedMore WNY following the merger of the Food Bank of Western New York and Meals on Wheels of Western New York.

He helped guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic as FeedMore WNY worked to meet increased demand across Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties.

Jerry has continued to share his time and experience with organizations throughout the community. Today, he serves as president of Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Buffalo, where volunteers build and deliver beds for children who need them.

“I have found purpose, meaning, happiness and friendship in building beds,” he says.

Service has also become a family value. Jerry and Mary Jo have volunteered with FeedMore WNY for many years, and one of their daughters captured that shared commitment in a college essay where she wrote, “volunteering is not an option, it’s an obligation.”

That same commitment inspired Jerry and Mary Jo to include FeedMore WNY in their legacy plans. Their gift reflects the values that have guided their lives and helps strengthen FeedMore WNY’s work to fight hunger for years to come.

From serving on boards to building beds, Jerry continues to put his values into action. His story shows that a legacy is built over time through the choices we make and the commitments we carry forward.