Douglas Joseph Sheliga

With deep love and gratitude, the family of Douglas Joseph Sheliga share his passing and celebrate the extraordinary life of a man whose curiosity, joyfulness, and steady dedication shaped every chapter of his journey.

Born in Cleveland to Joseph E. and Emilia Sheliga (nee Paules), Doug grew up alongside his sister Penny and brother Joe, forming bonds and memories that stayed with him for a lifetime. He married Carol (nee Kintz)(deceased), raised a family and built a career marked by brilliance and integrity.

A self-driven learner from the start, Doug completed a correspondence course in radio and TV repair while still in high school, laying the foundation for a lifelong fascination with engineering and technology. He studied at Case Institute of Technology and earned his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree from Cleveland State, eventually becoming a licensed Professional Engineer and founder of Sheliga Electric Company. His work in vacuum-tube computers and electrical systems was ahead of its time; he even copyrighted a computer program that showed the inner workings of computation long before such things were common.

Doug's career with the Illuminating Company was marked by innovation, leadership, and service. He wrote essential procedures, designed critical systems, and supervised high-level electrical testing across Northeast Ohio. At the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, he chaired the team responsible for developing the start-up procedure that brought the plant online. The "nod" to bring the plant to life was an accomplishment that remains part of his legacy. He presented technical papers out of state, trained countless professionals, and designed tools and manuals that improved safety and performance for years to come.

Retiring at age 49, Doug continued consulting, authored a book titled T.O.O.L.-The Organization of Life, and explored his many passions with the same curiosity that had shaped his youth.

Archery was one of the great loves of Doug's life. A competitor for sixty years, he served as president and secretary of several archery organizations, earned patents, and helped design, build, and maintain the archery facilities at Punderson State Park-home to state tournaments he proudly helped host. He instilled that same love of archery in his grandchildren. His interests were vast and hands-on: electric trains, leather carving, taxidermy, golf, fishing, bow-fishing, woodworking, car restoration, and so much more. In his youth, he rebuilt an Alfa Romeo from the ground up, built decks and kitchen cabinets with his own hands, and found joy in camping, hunting trips with his friends in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and travel across the United States-especially Alaska and Hawaii.

Doug was a man of faith and a longtime member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He valued service, having been both a Sea Explorer and later an adult advisor, as well as a Zoning Commissioner in Hambden. Music was another thing that Doug excelled at and enjoyed. In his last years, he was a member of the Racoon County Ramblers, a band at the Geauga County Senior Center. He loved polka music and if there was a dance floor, you'd find him there.

Above all, Doug was endlessly proud of his children-Terri, Doug, Amy, and Shawn- his eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, whose lives he touched deeply. His love for them, and for his second wife, Michelle, (nee Stewart) shaped the later parts of his journey.

Doug lived a life of creativity, determination, and gratitude. Though he acknowledged his mistakes, he often said he wouldn't change most of his life.

He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, accomplishment, laughter, and love-one that will echo for generations.

"I thank God for all He has given me. I am happy." -Douglas Joseph Sheliga on July 25, 2019

A graveside service will be held at All Souls Cemetery.

Arrangements and cremation entrusted to THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY OF CHARDON (formerly Ritondaro).