Richard P. Sheridan

Richard (Dick) P. Sheridan, 88, of Skaneateles, left this world on May 29. A true gentleman and a natural
charmer, he was well-known in the area as the leader and banjoist for the Soda Ash Dixieland Jazz Band
and played with many area bands. His wit and sense of humor were as legendary as his musical talents;
he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the hundreds of students he taught music to in the
Skaneateles area for over 50 years.
Dick was the son of Thomas J. Sheridan and Elizabeth (Mowris) Sheridan, both deceased, of Douglaston,
Long Island, NY. A 1956 graduate of Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, he served two years in the
Marine Corps stationed in Quantico, VA and Okinawa, Japan. After earning a graduate degree in
journalism at Syracuse University, he worked for the General Electric Co. in Syracuse as an advertising
copywriter and public relations specialist. He later served for many years as a substitute teacher in the
Auburn School System while working as a musician. He also authored dozens of books on music theory
and instrumental arrangements and taught instrumental music courses at Cayuga Community College.
He is predeceased by his parents and sister, Mary (Sheridan) Devey. He is survived by two nieces, two
grandnephews and four grandnieces, for whom his memory will be a source of joy, mildly inappropriate
but hilarious songs, and entertaining stories for countless years to come. He was a member of St. Ann’s
Church in Owasco and a longtime member of the Syracuse Musicians’ Union. Funeral arrangements by
the Bush Funeral Home in Elbridge are private. A memorial Mass will be offered 10am Friday, July 21, 2023 in St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Skaneateles.
On Saturday, July 22nd, there will be gathering of family and friends to which all are welcome to stop by at the Skaneateles American Legion Post 239 from noon to 2:30pm to celebrate Richard's wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Onondaga County at http://ccoc.us
Please sign the bushfuneralhomes@gmail.com on-line guestbook for Richard (Dick) Sheridan to express
condolences or share your memories.

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