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William McSheehy Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William McSheehy
Bill and Devin In Florida
June 18, 2017
September 1, 2010
Bill and I were friends from 3rd grade until he went away to college and I went to Viet Nam. His father was very influential in my life. Bill and I had many many good times together growing up. We had even more fun as we approach the drinking age. I'm sorry I never kept up with him nor meet his wonderful family. My belated wishes go out to them.
Peter Johnson
Katherine Karas
August 6, 2009
Mr. McSheehy is one of those "unforgettables" in my life.
He was my English teacher at Lura A. White when I was a student there in 02-03.
He believed in a unique sort of punishment to bad behavior..one i remember as being sent to the hall to "slay dragons."
He had a gentle soul, but one filled with zest and vigor for life, one undaunted by age; almost as if he was one of us--12,13 year old kids.
He introduced us to mature, classics--Macbeth, and Danse Macabre. He asked of us to act out voices and play roles in A Christmas Carol, like real performances (which, like true 6th graders, we did).
I wrote a short story for him once. Hours of effort went into it, I had wanted to impress him. But it was sloppy. Things were added all over the place, with those little "carrots" directing the eye up and down and to the sides and corners of the page. I'm not sure how he read it.
But he did. His response was almost as long as my story, maybe longer. In this response he believed in me. He praised me. He above and beyond encouraged me. But he was also truthful. And I read his words many times through. It was the greatest feedback I had ever received in my small 6 years of schooling. Feedback that made me feel as his equal, and not the small and needing-much-improvement child that I was.
I am now a sophomore in college. An education major actually. And I can say for sure--Mr. McSheehy was one of the very few who played a huge part in my personal education, my life, and my memories.
He was a good man. And a loss to this world, undoubtedly.
May each of us continue our lives, carrying on the Mr. McSheehy in us all.
Adam Lamy
April 9, 2009
No one will ever forget him, William McSheehy was a man that changed anyone's lives that he came in contact with. A true icon for generations to come. A God. A hero. D-Nation lives on forever in memory of him.
Alexander Gyles
February 10, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was a teacher like no other. He knew how to connect with all of us. He made learning interesting and we all couldnt wait to enter his classroom to see what kind of things he would do. He knew of his students abilities and what they could and couldnt do. He was a great man, and in my eyes a legend. Hes the only one that could ever get me to remember dozens of new words in days, learn scripts. He will be forever missed, and his teachings will live on. God bless Mr.McSheehy and his family, You all will be in our prayers.
Sharon Logiudice
February 9, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. McSheehy.
He was a wonderful teacher and both of my children were fortunate enough to have "Mr. Mc". I know that he helped to inspire and cultivate my daughter's love of English. She is a sophomore in college and is double-majoring in English and Latin. Mr. McSheehy helped to set her on that path.
Mr. McSheehy will be sorely missed, may God bless his soul.
Linda Schwefel
February 5, 2009
Dear Mara, Bob, Neill,Lara andMarina,
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. There are no words that will ease the pain. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Linda and Mitch and family
Ashlee BIsson
February 4, 2009
Mr.McSheehy was an AMAZING teacher and all his students loved him dearly. It is really hard knowing u are gone i have known u for 3 years and u were the best teacher ever and u always will be u will live on in all your students we have taken wat u have tought us and use it everyday we go to school you will be greatly missed. To his family im sorry about your loss he was a great man and an amzing teacher im sure you guys miss him alot
Johanna Recko
February 4, 2009
I will never forget the poem “The Hollow Men” that Mr. Mc had us read in 8th grade. For some reason, it has been one of those memories that takes hold and just refused to let go…I have referred back to it countless times. Every time I think of that poem, I think of him, and how far from being a dreaded “hollow man” he was. He was so full of life, so full of creativity…he persistently sucked out every ounce of passion I had and insisted I use it as a key ingredient in the work I submitted, thus teaching me to bring that kind of fire and truth to my everyday life. Although I have learned (and am continuing to learn), over the years since then, to control and refine what he’s given me, the rawness remains, and it has become a base factor in who I am and what I am made of. He taught me to embrace myself, to use art in a way that allows me to set myself free, to not be or allow myself to become a “Hollow Man,” and for that, I could never thank him enough.
Dede and Tim Recko
February 4, 2009
Mr. McSheehy's wonderful sense of humor and unique style of teaching was "right on" with our daughter! He inspired her and gave her the confidence to believe in herself. He gave her parents the confidence to believe that 7th grade wouldn't last forever! Please take care of that pointe shoe!
Chanell Delgado
February 3, 2009
Wow. It's so hard knowing that such a wonderful man has passed. I was having a normal day and a friend contacted me the day of his death. It really struck me hard. Mr. McSheehy is the reason why I loved english so much. He treated me and all of his students as individuals and as friends to him. He never, ever disrespected anyone. He was so funny and so smart. Why did this happen to such a great man? Why? I'm still hurt about his family and my loss. Even though I do not attend Shirley schools or live in Shirley anymore doesn't mean I forgot about all the wonderful teachers at LAW and SMS. Mr. McSheehy will be missed dearly, and never forgotten.
You'll be in my prayers, Mr. Mc. <3
Jane Cook
February 3, 2009
I taught with Bill in Shirley and saw first hand the work of a fine educator. Bill will be missed by all who knew him, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this most difficult time.
Bill and Becky Hedin
February 3, 2009
Mara, Bob, Neil, Lara and Marina you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Bill and Becky Hedin
Tom Scott
February 3, 2009
The Shirley School District has lost an incredible teacher. I remember well the day we interviewed Bill for the grade 7 English Language Arts position. Al Yesue, Charlie Tellier and I were stuck by the depth of knowledge and enthusiasm he demonstrated for his subject matter. He was a renaissance man who could quote Shakespeare and Yeats. But best of all he understood that unique creature, the 7th grader. He had the gift of being able to motivate the brightest student as well as the student with special needs. His high expectations and creative teaching methods produced extraordinary results. Bill’s MCAS scores were the highest year after year. Visiting Bill’s classes were a treat. I could count on lively discussions, awake and involved students, laughter, and thoughtfulness. Bill’s impact on the lives of the students he mentored is a lasting and profound legacy.
Peace
Dr. Tom Scott, former Superintendent of Shirley Schools.
Out from Newport
February 3, 2009
Bill and Ben
February 3, 2009
Paul Daley
February 2, 2009
Mr. McSheehy has helped me so much throughout my life. He was an amazing teacher and a great person. I remember his sense of humor in the 7th grade language arts classroom in 2003. I remember him wooing the class with a tale of how he had obtained his "magic meterstick" by jumping into the lake from Camelot legend and taking it from the lady of the lake. I remember him sending students into the hallway to hunt for dragons. He was a fun and likable teacher who always made class interesting. Because of him, I am now a Freshman pursuing a degree in English Secondary Education at Fitchburg State College. Mr. McSheehy's class was what first sparked my interest in the subject and he is my inspiration for becoming a teacher. I remember job shadowing him during my Senior Year in high school where he taught me all the tricks of the trade and I noticed just how much effort and attention he paid towards his students each and every day. Mr. McSheehy was a great man who I will always miss and although he may be gone physically he will live on forever in his family, friends, and students. My love and sympathies go out to his family. My father passed away last year of cancer and I know how difficult things can be. If anyone needs help I am here to support you every step of the way.
Jane Rae & Sam McQuoid
February 2, 2009
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Bill's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Korey Easler
February 2, 2009
......... Mr. McSheehy, wow...... this is hard and its very hard for me to believe that u were once my 8th grade english teacher and u left for an illness and now ur gone. i never thought in my whole life that this would happen. U were one of my favorite teachers and i will miss u completley. I hope you rest in peace and may god love and cherish u like me and all the stundents u got to no. i will miss ur sence of humor and the fun times ive had with u. I will miss seeing u and i will miss ur presence in school. You were the best and i have one final word to say....... YOU WERE THE MAN!!!!! My prayers will be with his family. thax for everything Mr.McSheehy. You taught more than anyone else could. thank you.
Sincerely, Korey
Erika Shufeldt
February 2, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was one of the most amazing teachers I ever had!! He was so much fun to have class with and he ALWAYS made us laugh! I will miss him so much and I hope all is well for the family and I am sorry about this happening. I really did love Mr. McSheehy, he was one of the best and still my favorite english teachers. He will live on is us all forever and always!
(Class of 2008)
Ashli Easler
February 2, 2009
Mr.McSheehy was the best teacher i ever had. I've had him for only half a year and he was the teacher that i looked forward in seeing each day i had him. It's hard to believe that he is gone. He was always fun to have and he was so funny with his numchucks. We will never forget those times when u opened ur closet and would show us ur weapons and told us that the principil never knew he brought them in his closet,and if we told the principil that, then we'd be in trouble.(not really lol). I miss those times. Mr.Mc you will be missed and never forgotten. May God bless your soul and your family.
Meghan Gleason
February 2, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was the greatest most inspirational teacher I've had. Even though it was only 7th grade he had so much to teach and so much to say to us. He was probably one of the smartest men I know, and a great person to have around. It was a great loss.
Ryan Goulart
February 2, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was my English teacher for two years in a row. He was an awesome person and a good friend. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Samantha Boissonneault
February 2, 2009
As a student of Mr. McSheehy, me and my family would like to send our deepest condolences to the family. Mr. McSheehy was the best teacher I could ever have. He had a great sense of humor, he made me laugh, and there was never a day that our class wasn't boring. He will be deeply missed by not only me but other students that had a chance to have him. The teachers are going to miss him dearly. He used to say that when he would go home at night that he would tell stories about our classes and he would come in the next day and tell us stories about his wife and children.
Mr. McSheehy I will miss you deeply but someday we will meet again. This is not a farewell this is a see you again someday! My blessings are with you all now and always.
Sincerly,
Samantha Boissonneault
(class of 08')
Laura Centarrino
February 2, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was the greatest English teacher I have ever known. I am grievously saddened by his death and i believe, as part of a whole student body population of the town of Shirley, that everybody should send out a little something to honor him by. We love you Mr. Mc, and we will all miss you terribly.
Tina Kingston
February 2, 2009
Deborah,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tina Kingston
JoAnn Johnson (Weaver)
February 2, 2009
Deb, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and comfort you and your family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Love, Rob JoAnn Duncan and Bailey
Johnson (Weaver)
Elaine, Kevin and Allison Grassa
February 2, 2009
Dear Deborah and Family
We were deeply saddened to hear about Bill's illness and passing. We have so many good memories of Bill. When he roomed with Kevin and also from your wedding. He was witty, charming and had a great sense of humor. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love The Grassas
Marla Farrow
February 2, 2009
We in Shirley are going to truly miss Bill. He was a wonderful teacher, and his students were so fortunate to have been blessed with his knowledge and love of his subject. We will all miss Bill's wonderful wry sense of humor - it brightened many a conversation and many faculty meetings!
Peter Capodagli
February 2, 2009
I am very saddened to hear about Bill’s passing, and want to offer my sincere condolences and heart-felt sympathy to his family on their loss. I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years and always enjoyed walking into his room and discussing the issues of the day. The influence he had on his students and the impact he had on their lives is a legacy that will live on forever. We will all miss you so much Bill. Pete Capodagli
Kevin Milliken
February 1, 2009
Deborah & Family:
My deepest condolences on your loss. There are no words that can provide comfort in times likes these. It seems that Mr. McSheehy left quite mark on this world based on the words in the obituary and the messages left on this message board. I hope you all find peace in the knowledge that he left this world a better place because of his devotion to family, friends, and teaching others.
Matthew Marcoux
February 1, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was truly a teacher I will never forget. He was the greatest English teacher I've had. He changed my life, treating me like a friend not just a student. I'm sad the "gates" finally closed, but I will never forget them, or Mr. McSheehy.
MaryEllen Murray
February 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family. It was an honor to work with him in Shirley. I had the privledge of working with him in his class and witnessing first hand what a great educator he was. He will be missed.
Gyles Family
February 1, 2009
Mr. McSheehy was a wonderful teacher who touched our lives. He will be greatly missed.
Margaret Day
February 1, 2009
My thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with Bill's family. I was lucky enough to work with Bill in Shirley. He was a kind, warm person who always made children and adults feel like they belonged. I appreciated how hard he worked to educate my special needs kids and how he supported me as a colleague.
Bill, may you rest in peace, knowing what a difference you made.
Blessings,
Margaret
Nicole Pyne
February 1, 2009
Deborah, Devin, and Ben,
We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We consider you guys to be very special neighbors and are glad to have had the opportunity to meet Bill. Remember that we are just across the street if you need Anything!! Peace be with you and your family. Love Nicole, Rob, and Madison Pyne
Christina Gionet
February 1, 2009
I am deeply sadden to hear of Mr. McSheehy's passing and offer my deepest sympathies. He was an amazing teacher. I learned so much from him and continue to refer to him as one of the best teachers I ever had. May he rest in peace.
-With Sympathy
Berta Aikey
February 1, 2009
As a long time friend and colleague of Bill, I send my deepest condolences to his family. Bill was one of the pillars of the Shirley School District. He was admired, respected and loved by his colleagues and students. Bill made a difference in the lives of so many children. He was a gifted educator who could reach each student who sat before him in his classroom, no matter the student’s learning style or learning difference. Bill never gave up trying to inspire each of his students to be excited about literature, English and being part of a learning community. Bill was excellence, warmth, dedication and commitment personified. We have lost a great man and we grieve for ourselves and his family. Yet, we take comfort knowing Bill is at peace and that our lives have been forever changed for the good because we were blessed to have had walked side-by-side with Bill McSheehy.
May the Lord God Bless you, make His face shine upon you and bring you peace.
With Love and Sympathy~
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