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John J. "Jack" Sheehan, Jr.
Retired Supt. Lowell Police Department
LOWELL -- John J. "Jack" Sheehan, Jr., 73, of Lowell, retired Superintendant of the Lowell Police Department, whom served as the Chief of Police in Lowell from 1982 until 1995, died Sunday afternoon at the Merrimack Valley Hospice House in Haverhill surrounded by his loving family.
A respected and loyal member of the Lowell Police for over 28 years, Jack was the last Civil Service appointee to be selected Superintendant based upon his first place score in the Superintendant's Exam.
He was the beloved husband of Frances "Frani" (Taylor) Sheehan, who survives him, and with whom he celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary August 15, 2012.
Born in Lowell, November 21, 1939, the son of the late John J. and the late Mary Agnes (Cotter) Sheehan, he attended St. Patrick Grammar School and Keith Academy.
Jack proudly served his country from 1956 until 1959 as a member of the U. S. Air Force.
Later, he graduated from the University of Lowell in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the first graduating class for Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice.
Jack began his career in Law Enforcement in 1964 when he was appointed a Reserve Officer with the Lowell Police Department. After attending the first Lowell Police Recruit Academy at Lowell State Teachers College, he was appointed a permanent Police Officer with the Lowell Police in 1967 by Supt. Peter G. Gouduras.
In 1973 he was promoted to Sergeant with the Lowell Police. Then, he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1977, Captain in 1979 and later Deputy Superintendent in 1981. In each promotion Jack finished first on the competitive exam portion of the testing.
In August of 1981 he was appointed Acting Superintendant of Police and was sworn in as the Supt. of the Lowell Police Department in May of 1982. It was a position he would proudly serve with integrity and honor until his retirement in March of 1995.
He was a past member of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
An avid sports fan, Jack was a former Silver Mittens Champion in the 1950's and enjoyed playing golf with his many dear friends at Long Meadow Golf Club where he was a longtime member. Jack also was a member of the East End Social Club.
However Jack's greatest joy was his family. In addition to spending time with his wife and daughters, he loved being with his six grandchildren and his siblings.
He was known as a loyal friend to many and was an inspiration to all that knew him.
Besides his wife, Jack is survived by two daughters Colleen M. Judge and her husband Ned of Dracut and Kerrilyn Pessin and her husband Daniel of Upton; six grandchildren Edward J. "EJ" Judge, Shelagh M. Judge, Zachary H. Pessin, Jonathan D. Pessin, Aden M. Pessin and Kyleigh B. Pessin; a brother Garrett Sheehan and his wife Julie of Dracut and many nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late Thomas F. Sheehan.
SHEEHAN -- In Haverhill, January 13, 2013, at Hospice House, John J. "Jack" Sheehan, retired Superintendant and 28 year member of the Lowell Police Department. He was the beloved husband of Frances "Frani" (Taylor) Sheehan who survives him. Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 4 to 8 P. M. Thursday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday morning at ST. PATRICK CHURCH at 10 o'clock. His Committal Services will be private. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Merrimack Valley Hospice House, 360 North Ave., Haverhill, MA or the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, 6th Floor, Brookline, MA 02445. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Colleen,
I never knew your dad or mom or sister Kerry, but I've been blessed to know you and as such I know in my heart that your dad was very special. As I read these entries here too, your dad's lovingness reminds me of you.
Please know that your mom and sister, as well as you and Ned and your wonderful children, are very much in our hearts and prayers. We send condolences to each of you along with a prayer that you experience this great man's lovingness within your very own hearts. No doubt your dad is looking down upon each of you.
With warmth and heartfelt care,
Anne Marie and Artie Lavigne
Anne Marie and Artie Lavigne
February 19, 2013
Dearest Franie,Colleen and kerry,
We were so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mary, Michael, Patrick, and Mary Frances Shea
Mary Shea
February 1, 2013
Dear Frannie, Colleen, Kerry and family,
We're so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. We have such great memories of good times together. Sincerest regards.
Leo, Pearl, Kirsti and Karl Sandy
January 30, 2013
Sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to your family.
Carol Jardin Young
January 21, 2013
THE PAIN IS OVER ALONG WITH THE DISCOMFORT IT BROUGHT. JACK WAS A GOOD FRIEND WHO ENJOYED A GOOD LAUGH. MAY HE REST IN PEACE IN THE ARMS OF OUR ALMIGHTY FATHER
BILL KEEFE
January 19, 2013
He lived well, he loved well and was beloved in return. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
S. Clark
January 17, 2013
My prayers go out to you Chief. Shared some great laughs. Many sincere sympathies to Jack's family. May God Bless and take care of you.
John F. Laderoute, Esquire
January 17, 2013
So sorry for your loss.
Bill and Karen (O'Neil) Manning
Kristin Manning
Karen Manning
January 17, 2013
Dear Frani and family, my heartful sympathy to you and yours.I will never forget his kindness to me during my illness, a great man, a loving husband, Father and a most admirerable cheif having known and worked for him was a gift. With thoughts, prayers and love, Pat(Szewczyk)Rondeau
January 17, 2013
My condolences on the passing of not only a great man but a good man. I have fond recollections of working with Jack when he was Chief and I was chairing the criminal justice dept. at UML- a real professional.
Joseph Lipchitz
January 17, 2013
dear frani and family; shirley and i were
were saddened to learn of jack's passing.
you are inour thoughtsand prayers.
grorge|& shirley gentle
george gentle
January 17, 2013
What a great man, so many fond memories of him . Hugs and prayers from the family of Dick Mercier, you now have your own guardian angel.
January 17, 2013
dear Franie,Coleen & Kerry
So very sorry to hear of your beloved husband/father, our thoughts and prayers are with you. JB will be his chauffeur again.
Jon & Ann Kazanjian
Jon & Ann Kazanjian
January 16, 2013
Dear Frani and family: So sorry for your loss. May you find forever memories in your heart always...and know someday you both will be united again. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this most trying time.
Vic&Janet (Caisse) Bisspm
January 16, 2013
Rest In Peace
Friend
January 16, 2013
Jackie was quite a guy. We were classmates at St. Patricks and even at that young age he displayed leadership qualities.
Bob Bureau
January 16, 2013
My prayers go out to "Jack"who has been taken by our Father for the preparation,"Of Greater Things To Come".It was a pleasure to have known him and to have worked with him.He will be missed but not forgotten.
We extend our sincere sympathy to Frannie,Colleen and Kerri,along with other family members. Peter&MarilynGickas
Peter Gickas
January 16, 2013
Dear Fran, Colleen, Kerry and family I can't tell you how saddened Ellen and I were to learn of Jack's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It was an honor and privilege to have served with Jack all those years. Most of all his friendship and all the happy memories that came about will be cherished forever. Goodbye Old Friend. Rest in Peace.
With love, Brendan and Ellen Tobin
Boca Raton, Florida
January 16, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sheehan family. I'm very proud to have searched under his leadership from 1975 until his retirement.
Robert Davidson
January 16, 2013
To Frani, Colleen, Kerri & Families, we offer our heartfelt sympathy. His friendly smile will always be remembered with love and affection.
Helen & John Leddy
January 16, 2013
to Frani,, this is from Linda Picard, I have been trying for months to get in touch with you,, then Tom Machado's wife let me know by fb that your husband passed away , I am so very sorry , I will never forget the night Dave and I went to your apartment and we all sat and visited,,, been trying so hard to get in touch with you, my heart and prayers are with you , to my LHS friend from linda Picard Siegelin
linda siegelin
January 16, 2013
Sheehan Family,Always enjoyed running into " The Chief" and it always included a great laugh-thoughts and prayers
Philip & Lynne Scannell
January 16, 2013
RIP CHIEF ~ YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN ~ ALWAYS A TRUE GENTILEMAN
SUSAN COUTURE-GAMACHE
January 16, 2013
To the Sheehan Family So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Joan Ryan
January 16, 2013
For Frani ,your daughters and family...
so sorry for your loss.
Connie Conlin
January 16, 2013
My deepest Sympathy to Jacks Family and Many Friends which include all his Brother and Sister Police Officers. One of the best. Always remember, "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.R.I.P Sir
Bob Blazon
January 16, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Barbara Carroll
January 16, 2013
May the roads rise to meet you,May the wind be always at your back; May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your field and, untill we meet again,may God hold you in the palm of his handwarm upon your face IRISH BLESSING
Stephen P Tobin
Stephen Tobin
January 16, 2013
Mrs Sheehan, Colleen and Kerri - I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was such a nice man and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Kerri-Lynn (Jump) Montgomery
January 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss your in are thoughts and prayers
The laderoutes
rita Laderoute
January 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss. He was a Great person. With Love Amy Griffiths and Family
January 16, 2013
So sorry for your loss
David Berman, M.D.
January 16, 2013
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