The Rutherford Borough Council voted unanimously to dedicate the field at Tamblyn Park on Woodland Avenue, The Philip Sheridan, Sr. Field. The field, which is home to SMHS football and baseball teams, is also used by Rutherford youth recreation teams and residents year-round.
Philip Sheridan, who passed away in 1989, was a proud, lifelong resident of Rutherford and active parishioner of St. Mary Church and school community. A 3 Sport athlete at St. Mary High School, he was selected to the New Jersey All State Football, Basketball, and Baseball teams. He graduated SMHS in 1935 and accepted a football scholarship to the University of Notre Dame. In the midst of his senior year, December 8th, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the US Navy.
As a combat pilot and patrol commander, Phil flew dozens of dangerous missions in the South Pacific in the early years of WWII. His bravery was rewarded with a Presidential Citation and the Distinguished Air Medal. As a decorated officer, he trained Navy pilots in Jacksonville, FL before returning to Rutherford with his wife Joan and son, Philip, Jr.
Phil and Joan raised a large, loving family; nearly 20 still reside in town and are SM parishioners. They were ardent believers in Catholic education.
All 8 of their children and a dozen grandchildren graduated from St. Mary Elementary and High Schools.
Philip Sheridan Sr. brought honor to the town of Rutherford. He represents a model of integrity and leadership that merits the naming of the field at Tamblyn Park in his honor. Congratulations to the Sheridan family.