William A. Sheridan | Educator, 83

William A. Sheridan, 83, of Havertown, an educator for more than 30 years and decorated World War II veteran, died of complications from leukemia Tuesday at Delaware County Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Sheridan was principal of several elementary public schools in Philadelphia and retired in 1987 as principal of the Cramp School in Kensington. He then was interim principal at Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in Media. He previously taught special education and primary grades in Philadelphia schools.

He graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys, and earned a bachelor's degree from La Salle University, a master's degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate in education from Pennsylvania State University.

During World War II, he was an Army sergeant in Europe. He was burned on his face and chest when his tank was hit in France and was wounded in the knee by shell fragments in Germany. He was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster.

He remained in Europe for several months after the war and acquired a love of music from attending operas and concerts, said his wife, Josephine Zimmerman Sheridan. The couple met at his coming-home party after his discharge and married in 1949.

Mr. Sheridan was a Knight of Columbus and a member of the American Legion Post 667. He was past commander of the Catholic War Veterans in Havertown.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, William; a daughter, Elizabeth Sullivan; and eight grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. today at Sacred Heart Church, 105 Wilson Ave., Havertown. Friends may call from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at Stretch Funeral Home, 235 E. Eagle Rd., Havertown. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.