Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 4, 2023

Dalbert Uhrig Shefte, 95, passed away peacefully, Tuesday July 4, 2023, at his home in Charlotte. An honorable man, Dal had a ubiquitous love for life.

Dal was born on September 17, 1927, in Evanston, IL, to Fredrick William Shefte and Edna Helene Uhrig Shefte.

After graduating from high school, Dal attended the United States Coast Guard Academy. In 1949, Dal earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. After completing undergraduate studies, Dal attended Northwestern University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree.

In 1950, Dal met the love of his life, Adelaide Morrison. While trimming the hedges, Dal noticed the barefooted southern belle, “Ade,” stepping outside a neighbor’s home. Distracted by her beauty, Dal “trimmed” the electrical cord to his house. From that moment, Dal was in love. The couple married in 1953 and their marriage of 49 years was the picture of selfless love, friendship, and devotion.

After serving in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, Dal began practicing Patent Law in Chicago. In 1958, he and Ade moved to Charlotte where they raised their four children and were blessed with four grandchildren.

From 1958 until 2019, Dal practiced law in Charlotte, initially with Richards & Shefte, then Richards, Shefte & Pinckney, and later, Shefte, Pinckney & Sawyer. In 1997, his firm merged with Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman LLP, (eventually, K&L Gates LLP). In 2011, Dal left K&L Gates to begin his own practice, Shefte IP Law.

Dal excelled in the field of patent litigation, ultimately becoming a Patent Expert Witness testifying in Federal Courts throughout the country.

Dal was a member of numerous professional organizations and held many positions: American Bar Association; Mecklenburg County Bar Association (Member of the Executive Committee); North Carolina Bar Association (Chairman of the Intellectual Property section); and Carolina Patent Trademark & Copyright Law Association (President).

Dal was admitted to practice law before the N.C. State Court, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. District Courts, Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and U.S. Supreme Court.

Dal believed in the importance of serving the community. With the United Way of Greater Charlotte, Dal served as a board member, VP of social planning, President of Contact Telephone Counseling Service, Chairman of Information and Referral Service, representative to the City Council / County Commission Committee on Information Management Planning, and first Chairman of the Battered Women’s Shelter. Additionally, Dal was President of the Charlotte Rotary Club, President of Myers Park Country Club for two terms, President of the NC Society of Engineers, President of the Charlotte Engineers Club, coached his sons in Pop Warner Football, and served in various capacities with the Boy Scouts of America.

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Dal’s passion for the Cubs was rivaled only by his passion for golf. The challenge of playing better tomorrow was the same for golf as it was for the Cubs, “there’s always next season.”

Dal was preceded in death by his wife, Ade, brother, Fredrick W. Shefte, and sister, Carol Shefte Dohse.

Dal is survived by his four children: William S. Shefte (Natalka Davydenko), Scarlett Shefte-Bezner, Robert U. Shefte (Lisa), and John D. Shefte (Steff), all of Charlotte; his four grandchildren: Whitney L. Shefte (Hugh Blodget), Robert U. Shefte Jr., Shannon M. Bezner, Shea B. Shefte; and beloved members of his Shefte and Morrison families.

The family appreciates the kind and compassionate care Dal received from Patricia Rivera in his final years.

There will be a celebration of Dal’s life at a later date.

Memorials may be sent to Safe Alliance at 601 E. Fifth St. Charlotte, NC 28202, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.