Robert Sheehan

1933 - 2017

Robert Thomas Sheehan

Perry

Bob or commonly referred to as Coach or RT was born to his parents Frank and Mary Sheehan in Port Huron, MI January 17, 1933.  He was the youngest of six children, all of whom are now deceased: Edna, Eileen, Fran, Jim and Joyla.  He attended Catholic School in Port Huron and coached basketball at St. Stephens Catholic School in Port Huron.  He graduated with teaching degree from Central Michigan University and later obtained his masters degree from Michigan State University.  He taught high school government classes at Perry Public Schools from 1961 to 1993 and coached high school boys basketball.  He also served Perry Public Schools as Athletic Director and for one year as the High School Principal.  He was a dedicated teacher, well liked by his students and other staff there.  He had the honor of being chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the homecoming parade his last year of teaching.  He stayed in touch with some of his students and basketball players and formed lifelong friendships with many of them.

He married Helen (Wilson) Sheehan in 1973 and instantly became a father and grandfather as well as father-in-law.  Most of these children and in-laws had been students of his.  He is survived by Helen.  They had retired to Las Vegas, NV and lived there for 22 years before returning to Michigan in Oct. 2015 to be closer to family.  They enjoyed golfing together almost daily for many years and both got holes-in-one.  He actually had two but who is counting.

What a loving husband, caring father and proud grandfather he became.  Family was very important to him and he became very important to them as well.  His step-children are: Beverly Wilson, Ron and Sue Hammond, Mark and Jane Wilson, Beth Wilson.  His grandchildren are: Kurt and Laura Hammond, Mark and Jessica Anderson, Stephanie Wilson, Peter and Belinda Wilson, Nick Grover and Heather Lafave, Natasha and Michael Wilbur II, Zachary Wilson and Alexandria Bushong and John Wilson.  His great grandchildren are: Blake Hammond and Erivae Hass-Vienna, Issabella Anderson, Lilia Grover, Westley Grover, Luke Hammond, Jacob Hammond, Grace Hammond, Michael Wilbur III and Baby girl Wilbur and new baby Wilson.  They love him deeply and he was their father, grandfather and great grandfather wo they could seek counsel from and each of them did.  He positively impacted their life choices and will always be remembered for loving them deeply.  He also has many nieces and nephews who are dear to him.  He had a great sense of humor and contagious laugh.

He was proud of his Irish Catholic Heritage and worked diligently to document family ancestry for both his and Helen's family.  He supported many charities but especially the Catholic Church.

The caring staff at The Olive Branch took wonderful care of him while he lived there and his family thanks them for what they did.  Contributions would be appreciated to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's Research.

He will be missed.

There will be a memorial mass celebrated on Friday May 5, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrice at 2:00 PM.  The Rev. Monsignor George C. Michalek will officiate with burial to follow at Rose Lawn Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 until the time of the Mass.  Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.watkinsfuneralhomes.com