William Sheskey passes away
06/12/2005
William Sheskey, 84, former president of the Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co. died on December 1 following a brief illness.
Mr Sheskey’s involvement in the footwear industry began following college and a military career during World War II. He joined the US Department of Price Stabilisation in the 1950s where he monitored the footwear market.
He began his industry career in 1956 when he joined the Hanover Shoe Co. in Hanover , PA. , moving a year later to become associated with the Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co. in Whitman , MA Maine
While president of the Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co. he also served as president of the National Shoe Manufacturers’ Association, known today as the American Apparel and Footwear Association.
Commonwealth, which was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Jones, was sold to Kaiser Roth Industries in 1970, with Mr Sheskey continuing as president of the footwear unit. The unit was sold in the mid 1970s to Gulf and Western, at which time Mr Sheskey retired and founded a company called Pacers Inc., which developed a line of inserts for footwear. He also ran a milling company until his retirement in 1987.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
While president of the Commonwealth Shoe and Leather Co. he also served as president of the National Shoe Manufacturers’ Association, known today as the American Apparel and Footwear Association.
Commonwealth, which was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Jones, was sold to Kaiser Roth Industries in 1970, with Mr Sheskey continuing as president of the footwear unit. The unit was sold in the mid 1970s to Gulf and Western, at which time Mr Sheskey retired and founded a company called Pacers Inc., which developed a line of inserts for footwear. He also ran a milling company until his retirement in 1987.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters, 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
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