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Dennis Sheehan Obituary
Mass of Christian Burial to be held at Queen of Martyrs Church. In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Queen of Martyrs Church will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allow 125 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear face masks at all times. Thank you for your cooperation. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Fund or St. Jude's Children Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Sheehan
Vincent Mietlicki
July 19, 2025
Mr. Sheehan will always be in my heart and loving memory. I became a history teacher like him and spent 9 years in the IL army National guard thanks to my experience with him at DLS.
David Joseph Sheehan
July 18, 2025
James E. Langmesser ,
I am Dennis' cousin, now living in Texas. I am the youngest of the Sheehan
cousins. We are the 1st generation in this country. The praise that I see coming from you all, his students, is a great comfort. Obviously, he had a great impact on you all. God bless!
James E. Langmesser DLS 61-65
July 17, 2025
Because he is still remembered, he continues to lives "within our hearts and minds"
EMMET JOHN PRNER
January 5, 2023
Greatest teacher EVER. May we meet again in Christ's Kingdom.
Frank Barbaric
December 10, 2021
Mr. Sheehan was my history teacher at DeLaSalle. He treated us kids like men... and that made all the difference. God Speed.
Vince Mietlicki DLS 68
January 29, 2021
My condolences. Mr. Sheehan had such a positive influence on me that I became a high school history teacher and taught for 8 years before going to law school. One of the biggest influences on my life.
James Langmesser
November 29, 2020
Mr. Sheehan created a vibrancy and passion for learning history. I was a student of his in my junior year, 1963-64, at De La Salle. For years after I graduated whenever I returned to Chicago to visit my parents I made sure to call him. A great man who cannot be replaced.
Michael Darragh
August 20, 2020
My condolences to Mr. Sheehan’s family. mr. Sheehan was a great teacher and was a great part of my education at “De”. Made my life better. God bless.
Matt Kenah
August 4, 2020
Mr. Sheehan was truly one of a kind. I do not have many memories of my time at De without Mr. Sheehan being part of them. From his classroom to the equipment room to the incredible pep rallies. Every time I saw him in the hall he said “Good Morning Irish”, I saw him with my young son 20+ years later at a football game only to hear “Hello Irish”. St. John the Baptist DeLaSalle-Pray for us! St. Dennis Sheehan-Pray for us, Live Jesus in our hearts-Forever...
Matt Kenah class of 86
Gregory Lisinski
July 28, 2020
I graduated from DLS in 1971 and had Mr Sheehan in his legendary World Cultures class. You can live a long life and never run into anyone with more positive spirit and dynamic energy than Dennis Sheehan. His motor was always running. I always had a lot of respect for him and think of him fondly always. My deepest condolences to the family. He was and is a legend.
john SULLIVAN
July 27, 2020
I was so very sorry to hear about Dennis. I taught with Denny for 40 yrs. and he was the bright spot in your day with his great wit and good nature. He went above and beyond in everything he did. He made DeLaSalle a special place and he loved being there. He always earned an "A+" from teachers, staff and students.
My sincere condolences to the Sheehan family.
Wendy Bulger Mathieu
July 27, 2020
Our condolences to the Sheehan family. Mr. Sheehan was a lovely man. He co-taught with our father and was considered a family friend. He was a storyteller. He delighted my sister and I with his mischievous smile and wit. He was charming and had a way of making you feel good about yourself. My brother said he was one of his favorite teachers. We will always remember him fondly. Our prayers are with his family
Gene Goga
July 26, 2020
As a class of '67 “D” grad I fondly remember Mr. Sheehan as my favorite among all the great teachers who taught me at the “Institute”. When a security question for one of my websites asks the last name of my favorite teacher the answer is Sheehan. Back then he was known as “Sarge or GI Joe” by us “8 balls”, but not in his presence; I see he deservedly made General. He was my home room adviser '65-'66, and the thing that stands out was one minute he could be reading you the riot act and the next minute he could be breaking down remembering one of his students, pointing out that certain seat in the classroom which said student occupied, but now had become a casualty in Viet Nam. He loved us as a good father would. When I had not seen him in 25 years he still remembered my first name. St. John Baptist DLS pray for him/us, may Jesus live in his/our hearts forever.
Betty Casey
July 26, 2020
So sorry to see that Dennis passed away! I will miss seeing him at 4 o’clock Mass. He was such a gentleman.
Jim Flanagan
July 26, 2020
So sorry for your loss, Ginny and Steve. May Dennis Rest In Peace.
Love, the Flanagan Family
Don Herman 78
July 26, 2020
Mr Sheehan was one of the best, nicest and most compassionate teachers I’ve ever had. I looked forward to his class and at the time I was not a fan of history, that was until I was fortunate to have him as a teacher. Whenever I run into an alum of DeLaSalle Mr Sheehan becomes the conversation and all positive just like he was. While working about 10 years ago he was jogging in EP and I spotted him and said hello he remembered my name and I was not surprised because he cared about all of us. May you Rest In Peace and God Bless you and your family.
Richard Conroy
July 25, 2020
Mr.Sheehan was everything DE LE SALLE stood for Honor,Integrity,Excellence.One year at the homecoming pep-rally.He and another teacher dressed as the Blues Bros.(He was Elwood).They had the whole gym cheering. After class ended He used to say get your stuff squared away and HIT THE BRICKS. Now HE can hit the bricks on the streets paved with Gold. Rest In Peace Sir
Paul Hawrysz
July 25, 2020
My condolences to the Sheehan family. Thanks for sharing such a Great Man with generations of DLS students. The "General" was an inspiration to All that knew him and came in contact with him. He was my Favorite History teacher and brought History to life when I entered his classroom. He will be missed by many but his service, honor, integrity and humor will Live On forever!!
Thanks for All the Great memories and wisdom you have shared with us. Rest in Peace and know that your Legacy of Love for Life and happiness will Live on Forever!!
God bless the Sheehan family.
Louie Spalla
July 25, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Sheehan family, Mr. Sheehan also endearingly know as "The General" .I had the pleasure of being his students for history classes at DeLaSalle, he made his class enjoyable and you wanted to be there he will always loved by the students of DeLaSalle. May God have mercy on the soul and may the Perpetual light of Jesus shine upon him.
Michael Brady
July 24, 2020
My condolences to the Sheehan family. Mr Sheehan was my favorite teacher at DLS and is always the one I fondly remember. He will be truly missed. Class of 74'
Jack O'Leary
July 24, 2020
I grew up with Denny in Visitation Parish. He was surely unique. Denny wore his Faith,Loyalty and Trust not only on his sleeve, but in every once of his body. There was not a single fibre of Denny that would allow him to betray his belief in God, Country, Nationality or friend. I so enjoyed talking to Denny over the years when we'd meet. Many have mentioned his zeal for History. I last enjoyed lunch with him about 2 years ago at "VisKids" @ Ridge CC. We laughed thru our meal about our History, growing up and really appreciated the guidance we each received from the Dominican Nuns at Visitation. We had a good run. As Denny would say. I really appreciated Denny and what he stood for. May he rest in Peace.
Mary Lauretta McLaughlin
July 24, 2020
In the seventy years I’ve known Den, his gentle sense of humor , positive outlook, historical and political view of life have always been present—a true Irishman. He will be missed but always remembered, along with Mary Ann.
Joan Koepke Walski
July 24, 2020
First I would like to extend my sincere sympathy. The General was a legend at De La Salle. He touched the lives of everyone who was lucky enough to come in contact with him, students, faculty and staff. I had the privilege of working with him and having a son in his class. He was a treasure and truly loved the Meteors! As a co worker and parent I can honestly say the De La Salle community was blessed and better off because of him. Rest In Peace my friend!
JOSEPH C. YOUNG JR.
July 24, 2020
One of my favorite teachers at DLS. RIP 'General'.
John Schnierle
July 24, 2020
My sympathies to the family. I met Mr. Sheehan my first day of high school in 1963. He was a great teacher, a great mentor and a wonderfull friend. My son David also got to know Mr. Sheehan, not as a teacher but as a bus partner as they commuted to DLS The Institute has lost one of its' greatest assets
ROBERT BRESNAHAN
July 24, 2020
My sympathies and condolences to the Sheehan family. Dennis was a good man and will surely be missed by all who knew or came into contact with him.
John F Dzurak Jr
July 24, 2020
I taught at DLS w/Denny from ‘85-‘91. A truer Catholic, Irishman, and patriot would be hard to find. I am proud to have known him and send my best wishes to his whole family, especially Brian whom I taught English and coached basketball. God Bless Us All in these strange times.
Ed Vizinas
July 24, 2020
Best damn teacher I ever had. Always involved and always knew everyone in the class. Made everyone get involved and interested
Larry Nawrot
July 24, 2020
Denny was a great man, and great friend to me during my coaching days at DLS. He influenced so many lives in such a positive way. Prayers for Denny & The Sheehan Family.
Tony Jancevich
July 24, 2020
My condolences to the Sheehan family. Mr Sheehan was a great teacher and man. The world needs more people like him, and it would be a better place.
Tony Jancevich
John McLaughlin
July 24, 2020
Sending my condolences to the Sheehan family, so sad to hear of the passing of "Uncle Denny". You are in our thoughts and prayers. So many fond memories of him at the family holidays shared many years ago.
David Sheehan
July 24, 2020
My cousin, Dennis Sheehan, had a great sense of humor. It is obvious from the comments made, that he cared deeply for his students and wanted them to enjoy and LEARN. God speed him on his way to that great Irish party in the sky!
Mike Young
July 24, 2020
Mr. Sheehan was by far my favorite teacher during my years at DE. I looked forward to his history class because he made it so much fun.
Mike Young
Class of 77
David Wilburn
July 24, 2020
Mr. Sheehan brought history to the present with his quick wit and animation. Truly my favorite.
He was a great inspiration. Thank you and be blessed class of 1980
Dennis & Donna Dwyer
July 23, 2020
Dennis Sheehan was a figurehead in our neighborhood. He was a shining example to all the knew him.
His faith was a major part of his life. When he walked down Clifton Park, on his way to & from church, he always stopped to chat and brighten our day. His smiling face will be truly missed.
Dennis and Mary Anne raised 5 wonderful children that are a living legacy of their lives.
Our Deepest Sympathy and love to Dennis, Ginny, Jackie, Brian & Terry.
Dennis & Donn Dwyer & Family
Tony DiFilippo
July 23, 2020
Mr Sheehan one of the best. I can still hear him say hello Ant-nee when he would greet me. Just an all around great guy! To My friend Terry and all of the Sheehan family, I am sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great man!
Jim Tracy
July 23, 2020
So sorry to hear of Denny's passing. As a young teacher/coach, Denny was a mentor to me and so many others. It was my great privilege to coach Denny's sons Denis and Brian, who, like their father, were a joy to work with. You will be greatly missed, "General"! God bless the Sheehan family during this difficult time.
Shawn Sarazen
July 23, 2020
It was 1975 when I first Mr. Sheehan... I was a Freshman at De La Salle HS. Actually, it was my first class in the morning... Dennis was a very fun, exciting and loving teacher! It was a joy to be in his classes... I also had him for my Junior year of High School. He brought a lot of energy to the class, but don’t cross him... Especially when we got to WW2 and the Korean War! I always refer to him with my classmates still...
Love always,
Shawn D. Sarazen class of 1979.
James Worthington
July 23, 2020
God bless his soul. It was a pleasure to have him as my history teacher at De La Salle.
Tim Callahan Class of 79
July 23, 2020
Mr. De La Salle to me! What a fun loving man with a great sense of humor. God bless his sole and all the lives he touched. He made many of us into men with his toughness in a tender way. His smile and humor spread in many directions. He was my teacher, friend and indirectly a coach at times. Thank you Lord for allowing us to be a part of your great creation!
Michael Marcet ‘75
July 23, 2020
So sorry to hear to hear of the passing of the best teacher I ever had.
RIP Mr Sheehan
Mike Hughes ‘65
July 23, 2020
Go meteors
Mr Sheehan was a DLS treasure
He was my teacher
My coach , my friend
Brother Michael O'Hern, FSC
July 23, 2020
May the angels lead you into Paradise, Dennis, where you will be with your beloved Mary Ann. Dennis was a good man, a fine teacher, and a builder of the characters of many young men at De La Salle. It was an honor and a pleasure to be there with him for a few years.
Beverly Dixon Class of ‘70
July 23, 2020
Dennis Sheehan was a great teacher and model that greatly influenced my life. Thank God for sending him to De La Salle and influencing many young impressionable lives. My condolences to the family from my family.
Mike Ligue ` 77
July 23, 2020
I hold many great memories of Mr. Sheehan , his pencil tucked between his ear and glasses. Striking a poorly drawn map with his "riding crop " ( neatly tucked under his arm as he walked among his troops ) . He made history exciting and adventurous for us all . He was"D" through and through , but most of all he was a greatly endearing MAN , loved his family , loved his country and he loved DeLaSalle. May he rest in peace , with all my prayers to his family .
Terry Braun 80
July 23, 2020
One in a million
God speed General
Patrick Huels
July 23, 2020
My condolences to the family of Mr. Sheahan. He was a great teacher and leader at DeLaSalle. He was my friend and I will miss him
Patrick Huels
DeLaSalle Class of 1967
Mike Pratapas
July 23, 2020
If there were a Hall of Fame for HS teachers Mr Sheehan would have been enshrined many years ago. What an incredible man and influential person on the lives of so many. Almost 40 years removed from DLS, I still tell the stories about what it was like to be a student in class with “the General” as we affectionately called him.
He reminded us daily to “remember you are DeLaSalle”, but I can think of no other who embodied what that really meant more than Mr Sheehan. Thank you to his family for sharing him with generations of students and may Saint John the Baptist DeLaSalle continue to pray for him and Jesus live forever in his heart.
Mike “Smokey”Pratapas ‘81
Bob Kazin — DLS Class of ‘67
July 23, 2020
Oh my God! Dennis Sheehan. Or as we called him, Sarge. He taught us Freshman History at “D” in 1963-1964, which I believe was his first year teaching. Room 40 in the Old Building. Used to be a gym. Terrific guy. Great stories, including about his copy of the Tribune with the “Dewey Wins!” Headline. I loved this guy, as many of the kids did. He recognized me by name 20 or so years after I graduated. Rest In Peace, Sarge!
william caponera
July 23, 2020
He may have taught History as a subject, but what he taught more was Character. How to comport oneself with self respect, respect for others, for community and institutions. He was cross when warranted and fair without indulgence. His classes were fun and informative. He inspired and we are better for having had him as a teacher. R.I.P, Mr. Sheehan.
B. Caponera, class of '76
David Sullivan
July 23, 2020
To Brian and the rest of the Sheehan family,
I'm very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. I have many fond memories of sitting in his US History class (in the coolest room in the school) listening to his stories. I can see him patrolling the 2d floor of De during passing period, always making sure the lads had their shirts tucked in and were "squared away." Rooty toot toot - we are the men of the Institute! Rest in peace, Mr. Sheehan - a gentleman and a scholar. You will not be forgotten.
David Sullivan, Class of 1989
Mike Chmiel
July 23, 2020
We are all better for having known Mr. Sheehan, and the world became a better place with him in it. Prayers are for him and his family. May he enjoy his eternal reward.
ENRIQUE P FLORES
July 23, 2020
My name is Enrique Placido Flores, class of 1980. I was truly saddened when I heard of Mr Sheehan's passing. I, like I'm sure so many others, remember him fondly. My freshman year, he replaced our original history teacher (who only lasted about 2-3 weeks). Nice fellow, but his heart didn't seem to be in it. That was a blessing in disguise. I loved Mr Sheehan & his teaching methods. He ALWAYS made it interesting & entertaining. I know De La Salle had many GREAT teachers. But He was truly the "Cream of the Crop". He will be always in my thoughts & in my prayers. They say, as long as one is remembered, they are never truly gone. Mr Sheehan will live for a long, long, long time. God Bless. Your Loyal Servant, ENRIQUE.
Tim Schneider
July 23, 2020
Mr. Sheehan left a lasting memory on all who walked through the doors at "D". He will be remembered as an enthusiastic educator, showed care and compassion for all he taught and was instrumental in molding boys into men.
He would refer to my father as the "big German," and would joke with me and my brother that if we didn't get our school work done, the "big German" will have us doing "double time in the yard"....and he was right, he did.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Sheehan family.
-Tim Schneider '91
Roger Stewart, Class of 1974
July 23, 2020
Mr. Sheehan left De La Salle and the world a better place, leading by example.
Ted Morgan
July 23, 2020
"No guts, no glory." Straighten up & fly right Meteor." A couple of the many memories of Mr. Sheehan. Rest in Peace General.
Jim Finucane
July 23, 2020
May Mr. Sheehan Rest in Peace. His class always a pleasure for me, he was convinced the great RAF flying ace in WWII Paddy Finucane was my cousin. I am sure the Perpetual Light will shine upon him
Jim Finucane Class of 1980.
Chet Klovas
July 23, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Chet Klovas class of 1971.
Kenneth J. Tokarz, Class of 1974
July 23, 2020
Deepest sympathies to the family. Mr. Sheehan was a fantastic history teacher. I can still hear his voice saying "LOCK AND LOAD". Educators like him are few and far between.
Barry Ecklund
July 23, 2020
Great history teacher, great guy.
Michael Pietryla, Class of 1969
July 23, 2020
Sympathies to his family. He influenced many young men at DLS. He was a good man. God Bless his soul.
Joe Wargin '65
July 23, 2020
Mr. Sheehan was a great teacher - we were all ears when he would say " Listen up gang - story time!" He was an inspiration and a major factor why I went into education
Brendan Perner
July 23, 2020
I'm so sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Sheehan. He was truly loved by all who had the pleasure of being taught by him at "The Institute." May he rest in peace.
Monica Carey
July 23, 2020
Deepest sympathy. My dad and mom, Jack and Therese Goldrick, lived around the corner from Dennis for a short time. Dennis often stopped to visit with them, making them feel so welcome in Q of M.
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