John J. Sheehan Jr.

John Sheehan was bigger than life so this obituary needs to reflect that. It will celebrate his many accomplishments and the legacy he left that has inspired a long life of love and friendship. He passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025 with his loving wife and daughter at his side, talking, reminiscing and sharing a lifetime of memories that will keep them strong in their grief. John was a man of many talents and hobbies but his passion was giving back to others. John was in the US Marine Corp. reserves for 20 years and organized an annual toy drive at Christmas for his community. He was so devoted to the Marines that he married the love of his life, Carolyn, on November 10 – the Marine Corp. birthday (perhaps so he would always remember the date!). A passionate member of the Lion’s Club, he routinely served as head chef at the Club’s pancake breakfasts, bringing along his daughter as his sous chef. He was active in town politics and other service organizations, fighting for those without voices. And, he was elected as a member of the South Plainfield, NJ board of education serving for nine years and one as the president, even presenting his daughter with her high school diploma. Tireless, John always had a new hobby, whether it was bowling, hunting or fishing – bringing his young daughter to the butcher after a successful hunt or taking her on a remote fishing trip to Maine. John also had his pilot’s license, taking his wife and daughter on amazing adventures along the east coast. Later he started sailboat racing, winning several trophies until he docked the boat for culinary school. After retiring from a 40-year career at NJ Bell, he decided it was time he learned to cook. While he was known for many meals, his favorite was serving up eggs and bacon to his family’s many friends, who visited the home often as well as his famous tailgate parties at the Giants football games. In 1995, John and Carolyn moved to Colorado, where John took up another passion – golf! He proudly displayed his three “hole-in-one” plaques in his home office, and cherished his time on the links with his friends. And, yes he did become an avid Broncos fan rarely missing a game - some of his best times were when he and his daughter were in the Quarterback Club at Mile High Stadium. John and Carolyn loved to travel with their friends and spent many lovely vacations with their “crew,” hosted and attended more dinner parties than we can count and always had the door open to anyone who was thirsty in NJ, CO or FLA. Together, John and Carolyn accumulated many incredible, treasured friends.

As we say “until we meet again” to this larger than life human, know that John was the beloved husband of Carolyn Hamilton Sheehan for 68 years and devoted father to Linda Sheehan (Watson) Kolstad. He was preceded in death by his parents John Sheehan and Margaret Heaton as well as his brother Jerry Heaton. Holding a special place in his heart are his brother Joseph Sheehan of North Carolina, and sisters Patricia Dorsi, Kathleen Clark and Irene Czernikowski, all of New Jersey, along with beautiful Godchildren, nieces, nephews and his many “adopted” children. We will miss him and his big laugh every day. And we take comfort in knowing that “Big John” is our newest angel, always watching, always protecting.

A small service will be held at Seven Stones in Littleton on August 8 at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send gifts or donations in memory of John Sheehan to the American Heart Association or the ASPCA.