Admiral Brian Talbot Sheehan

It is with deep sadness we share the peaceful passing of Rear Admiral (USN – Retired), Brian Talbot Sheehan on a beautiful Autumn day at his favorite place in Squaw Valley, CA on October 1, 2015. The Admiral was born in Gardner, Massachusetts on July 20, 1937. His voracious appetite for learning led to advanced degrees in chemical engineering and a PhD in microbiology led to the start of his career in the pharmaceutical industry. In 1977, an offer to become the second employee in a new little "start-up" biotechnology firm, Genentech, brought him and his first family to the West Coast. He moved on to establish himself further in the industry with companies such as Coors in Fort Collins, CO and Alza in the Bay Area to name a few. Among his proudest accomplishments was his 33 years of service to his country in both the active and reserves of the United States Navy with three years of teaching at the US Naval Academy. Studying under him was a young, fresh-faced Roger Staubach, but he never went to the "dark side" as a Cowboy fan. He bled 49er red and gold. He proudly retired with the rank of Rear Admiral. In 1978, he met a bright, ambitious woman, Sharon Carlock, who proved to be his intellectual equal. They were married October 28, 1984. Their son, Kevin, came into their lives on July 21,1991 and has been their pride and joy ever since. His passions were skiing, wood cutting and finding the best coupon deals, but not necessarily in that order. He is preceded in death by his father, John Francis Sheehan and his mother, Mildred Sheehan. He is survived in life by his wife, Sharon, his son, Kevin, and his four children from his first marriage, Lynn, Michael, Kathy and Patty as well as his brothers, John and David and his grandchildren. He had said that his faith in the Catholic Church was what carried him through life in the worst of times. One of the best of times was when he witnessed his son, Kevin, being blessed not once, but twice by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Angels parish church on October 20th at 10:00am (1721 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010). Internment will be at Skylawn Memorial Park (Highway 92 and Skyline Blvd) immediately following the services. A private reception will follow. The family invites you to send photos, stories or memories of Brian to RADMBTS@comcast.net. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the World Parrot Trust.