CLEARFIELD – A non-denominational Celebration of Life service was held for Dr. Gregory S. Sheffo at St. Francis Church in Clearfield Monday evening for the Clearfield community to pay final respects. Patients and their families, community members, Clearfield Bison football coaches and players, colleagues, staff, friends and family were all gathered in St. Francis Church to celebrate the life of Dr. Sheffo.
A welcome was given to the congregation by Dr. James Davidson. “We are here not so much to mourn his passing, but to celebrate his life,” Davidson said. “It is our belief that life is not ended, but merely changed, his spirit is with us, and the fruits of his work will continue to develop and grow in each of us who have been touched by him. Whether it was through his administrative work or his family life, Greg had an enormous impact on everyone he touched.
“But for most of us, we were touched not by his occupation, but by his vocation, and that vocation was taking care of the children of God,” Davidson said. “He also had a vision for all of us here in Clearfield, in respect to health care. He was our medical director, and that vision was this community hospital and the physicians here, could provide excellent, quality health care that would be available to all of us in this community not just now, but for the years to come.”
The readings and psalms for Dr. Sheffo’s service were read by his colleagues, David J. McConnell, Dr. Thomas A. Carnevale and Dr. Richard G. Williams. The singing of the Lord’s Prayer was sung by Kim Durant and accompanied on piano by Kristen Wriglesworth.
The homily was given by Rev. Rob Mellgard, president of the Clearfield Ministerium.
“It takes a lot to be a doctor, a healer of people, in our world today.” Mellgard said. “If a doctor’s deepest emotions and deepest motivations and basic knowledge or understanding doesn’t come out of a altruistic love, a love that serves other people, they’re going to be just machines.”
“But if they are gracious, loving, altruistic in their foundation and their reasons for being there, then they will be welcomed into the lives of their colleagues, friends, their patients, the families that they deal with, it will be good to see them walk into the room,” Mellgard said.
A eulogy was given by the physicians and staff of the Clearfield Center for Children’s Care. During Dr. Sheffo’s eulogy, the physicians and staff talked about Dr. Sheffo’s “childlike sense of humor” and how he would always try to pull pranks on them. He would hide diapers in offices, put water on top of doors to spill on them and one time injected Coca Cola into Dr. Graham’s pierogies.
Dr. Sheffo would even participate in the ugly sweater day at Christmas time, and on purple day even went as far as to put purple hair extensions in his hair. Another memory of him at the office was of his pet spider, Cici, who he would feed and take care.
One thing the staff said they would miss most would be him saying, “Good job, man,” at the end of every day.
“Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad moment, a sorrow that is deep and personal,” Joelle White said. “Dr. Sheffo has silently closed the door of life and departed from us, and our lives will be empty in the areas he has brightened for us. Dr. Sheffo may be gone from our sight, but he will always live in our hearts. We will always cherish each day we had with ‘The King.’ We love you Dr. Sheffo, may you rest in peace.”
Following the eulogy, there was time given to the members of the congregation to come to the microphone and share memories of Dr. Sheffo. A patient’s mother, as well as Tim Janocko, head coach of the Bison football team spoke.
“He was a good guy, he was very compassionate, very passionate about his work,” said David J. McConnell, chief financial officer of Penn Highlands Healthcare. “He would try to do what was the best for all, so he was just a really good guy and is going to be missed by many people in many aspects. He made a big impact on this community.”
Dr. Sheffo spent the last 15 years as clinic director and pediatrician at the Clearfield Center for Children’s Care, and served as president of the Clearfield Hospital Medical Staff. He served as both pediatrician and Chief Medical Officer of Clearfield Hospital. He was also team physician for the Clearfield Bisons.
“He was a wonderful physician, and I consider him a good friend,” said Dr. Thomas A Carnevale. “He did a lot for this community, he came here with the right attitude and sense that he wanted to make a difference, and I think he did make a difference in his time here.”
Funeral services and burial took place in Bentleyville, Pa., on June 6.
