John Vincent Sheehan

John Vincent Sheehan obituary, Guilford, CT

John Vincent Sheehan

John Sheehan Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 4, 2025.
John Vincent Sheehan, born in Brooklyn, NY on December 27, 1946 to Marie and John Vincent Sheehan, passed away at home on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the age of 78, surrounded by his immediate family and dear friend, Paul.

A lover of life, Vin made friends with anyone and everyone, making an impression on all he knew with his unique sense of humor. He was a true jack-of-all-trades, immersing himself in many interests, including blacksmithing, sailing, world history, scuba diving, jazz, cooking, Italian, religion, and politics, among other things. He had his sea captain's license and had completed over 60 hours of flying time, including ten of solo flying. Some of his fondest memories included lifeguarding, attending Brooklyn Preparatory High School and St. John's School of Law, as well as his years living and working in Manhattan as a real estate broker.

Despite his illness, he never stopped planning for the future, having recently renewed his passport and real estate license, as well as drafting a cookbook he hoped to publish. He had a loud and booming voice that was easily heard from afar, and a positive, lighthearted outlook on life.

He loved his family more than anything, especially his grandchildren, Reagan, Dalton and Anna. He leaves behind his loving family: sisters, Cathy Frasier (Walter) and Mary McCarthy (Michael); daughters, Meaghan Sheehan, Meredith Smith (Brandon); Roleen Sheehan; his nieces and nephews - all who will miss him immeasurably.

Vin could often be found at McSorley's Old Ale House in Manhattan, an establishment he regularly frequented since the 1960s, out on the water in a sailboat, or sipping red wine at an Italian restaurant or on his back deck. He always had a joke and brought life to the room when he walked in. He had many one liners, "Don't Panic!" being among the most memorable.

A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 13, at Saint Mary of the Visitation, 54 Grove St., Clinton, CT 06413. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vin's memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and Saint Jude's, two of his favorite charities.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Sheehan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 17, 2025

Theresa Cleary posted to the memorial.

June 13, 2025

Donna Brennan posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2025

Michael Gruning posted to the memorial.

Theresa Cleary

June 17, 2025

RIP Vinny. You were one in a million.

Donna Brennan

June 13, 2025

I met Vincent at work. Despite his illness he always had a joke. I shared his many jokes with others. He was an inspiration to me and I´m sure many others. He loved his lunches with his old friends in NY. Nothing stopped this man from living life to its fullest. I will never forget his stories, his smile, and his always positive attitude. Rest in peace. Thank you Vincent. Love to you and your family. Donna Brennan.

Michael Gruning

June 12, 2025

John Vincent better known as Vinny to all of us who knew and loved him, was a force of nature! He dominated a room without being oppressive or overbearing.

Some words that come to mind when I think of Vinny are indomitable, indefatigable, irreverent, iconoclastic, and irrepressible. He was a phenomenal raconteur on a host of subjects from sailing to history to architecture to the law to real estate and a plethora of others.

Like Vinny, I consider my four years at Brooklyn Preparatory the best 4 years of education in my life and that includes two Bachelors of Sciences and a Doctor of Optometry degree. It shaped and formed us to be leaders and also advocates for our religion.

Vinny was a man of strong and unshakable faith and although I do not want to accelerate the process, I look forward to being reconnected with him in the great hereafter. I love him dearly and miss him immensely even now. One of my few regrets in life is that I did not reconnect with him earlier on, although the last 6 years or so have been a blessing.

Much love to you Vinny,

Mike Gruning AMDG

Single Memorial Tree

Judy and Jane Ward, Konstantin and Esme Savitskiy

Planted Trees

Maryann Hatfield

June 12, 2025

Love you Vinny. I will always remember the good times we had in college together, the sailing trips and our children growing up together on Lake Dunmore. Rest in peace knowing how much you will be missed by your loving family and friends. Toast the big guy with a glass of red wine in heaven. Love Zack

Tom DeAngelo

June 11, 2025

Quite the guy.. interesting and easy to know . I plan to attend the service. Condolences to the family.
We lost a great one

robert moorehead

June 10, 2025

To all of the Sheehan family, Pat and I send our deepest regards. He will be greatly missed.

Jim Frasier

June 10, 2025

You will never be forgotten Vin. Your influence on my life is immeasurable. Thank you for all you did. Your spirit lives in all of those you touched. Enjoy the afterlife and see you soon.

robert moorehead

June 9, 2025

Vin Sailing

Lori ONeil

June 6, 2025

Dear Sheenan Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you as you experience this heart felt grief.
Lori ONeil

Barbara McCarthy

June 5, 2025

I am simply heartbroken....Rest in Peace, J.Vincent...

Lisa Woodard

June 5, 2025

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Charlie Fortes

June 5, 2025

I met Vinny 50+ years ago (yes, I´m very old) on the Branford docks at what used to be the Bruce & Johnson Marina. In the ensuing years our friendship has been highlighted by sailing adventures, road trips, family get togethers and an occasional "lunch" at McSorley´s. He was a steadfast friend and I was always glad to see him again, even though he was throughly misguided in his political views. We had endless discussions about everything and I can still hear him say "In the great scheme of things" an often used phrase in support of his perspective. I´ll miss you my friend. You´ll always live in my thoughts.

Charlie Fortes

June 5, 2025

Steve Leader

June 5, 2025

Vin and I became brothers over many decades of Sake lunches, deal-making, soul searching and great times together. Family and friends meant everything to him. He will have a lasting imprint on those whose lives he touched.

Charlie Hughes

June 4, 2025

We first met in kindergarten, went thru 8 more years of grammar school, I knew then that he was an interesting person.We went to 2 Rush Limbaugh shows in Manhattan and had lots of laughs. I have been his accountant for over 40 years, he certainly was a pleasure to be with, he will be missed , God Bless you Vincent, you were and are loved, Charlie Hughes

Jennifer Kilmurray

June 4, 2025

What a guy! No one had more fun than Vin. He loved great conversations, historical books, dogs, red wine, sailing, traveling, and above all, his family. He loved everyone, no exceptions. He was a wonderful friend. I will miss his "Howaya" every time we spoke. Much love to Meghan, Anna, Meredith, Dalton, Reagan, and Roleen.

Cathy Sheehan Frasier

June 4, 2025

Vinny and I were together most of the time as children, walking to school, playing stick ball on Troy Ave. and double dating in high school. We had so many adventures at Breezy Point like fishing off Louie's Pier and boating.
Getting thru his recent illness probably caused by exposure after 9/11 was a challenge he met head on. I never heard him complain or ask why me.
See you on the other side Vin.

Lindsay Johnson

June 4, 2025

Vin was an amazing man - sending my love to you all. Will never forget cutting his hair on the deck during Covid- he had me in stitches. A character all his own.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

Make a Donation
in John Sheehan's name

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Sheehan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Sheehan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 17, 2025

Theresa Cleary posted to the memorial.

June 13, 2025

Donna Brennan posted to the memorial.

June 12, 2025

Michael Gruning posted to the memorial.