Redgate, Sheridan C.

Description

Sheridan Clifford Redgate was born on October 4, 1918, in New Jersey to Caroline Lukas Redgate, age 24, and Otto K Redgate, age 33. He had two younger brothers Robert and Jack.

Sheridan’s father had a high school education, and worked as a superintendent of Grounds at the Osborn Memorial Home. In Rye his family lived at 114 Theall Road and were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Sheridan was a member of the Rye High School class of 1936. In high school Sheridan was extraordinarily smart, and was a member of the National Honors Society. He was a part of distinguished group of students who finished in the top 1/3 of his class.

In 1940, Sheridan joined the U.S. Navy and served throughout World War II as a MMC “Machinist’s Mate, Chief” . According to the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), the job of a Machinist’s Mate is to “operate, maintain, and repair (organizational and intermediate level) ship propulsion machinery, auxiliary equipment, and outside machinery, such as: steering engine, hoisting machinery, food preparation equipment, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, windlasses, elevators, and laundry equipment.

Operate and maintain (organizational and Intermediate level) marine boilers, pumps, forced draft blowers, and heat exchangers; perform tests, transfers, and inventory of lubricating oils, fuels, and water. Maintain records and reports, and may perform duties in the generation and stowage of industrial gases.” Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

Following the war in 1950, Sheridan was back in Rye working for a boat manufacturer as a marine engineer. In October 1952 he was piloting a plane and survived a crash landing into Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. By 1959 he had moved to Florida and worked many years for the Lake Wales Utility Co, and retired as general manager.

Sheridan Clifford Redgate died on January 22, 1994, in Polk, Florida, when he was 75 years old. He was survived at the time by his brother Jack.

Austin Harvey
RHS 2021