John E. Sheridan

John E. Sheridan, 85, a lifelong Franklin resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025, after a brief illness. His family lovingly cared for him at home with the help of hospice services. The biographical details of his life don't begin to adequately describe the man he was. With a big personality and a hearty laugh, people naturally gravitated toward him. And because of his caring and thoughtful nature, he found his way into the hearts of many. John had the rare quality of being a good listener, and a keen observer of human nature. And as a result, he always knew the little ways he could make someone's life a little easier or a little happier. He was the beloved husband to Susan (Pratt) Sheridan.
Through the years John and Susan had a full social life with friends and family. They enjoyed their membership at the Foxboro Country Club, and their longtime membership in the Rappa Golf League at Heather Hill. John was an active member of the Franklin Lions Club and could often be seen selling soda at their booth on the Fourth of July. He loved his "acting career" with the St. Mary plays, and with the Franklin Performing Arts Company. He especially enjoyed his role as Luther Billis in "South Pacific". His family was his number one interest, never missing a birthday or holiday or get-together. In later years one of his favorite enjoyments was the monthly lunches with his Franklin High School classmates.
Born in Milford, he was a son of the late Edward and Pauline (Silvi) Sheridan, and was raised and educated in Franklin. After graduating from Franklin High School he then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Vietnam War Era from 1957 to 1961, achieving the rank for Airman 2nd Class.
Prior to retirement, John had been employed by Donovan Mayflower in Franklin for forty years in transportation sales. There are too many stories to share here, but the people he worked with loved him as much as he loved them.
In addition to his wife Susan, he is survived by his three children John C. Sheridan of Temple, NH, David Sheridan and his wife Christine of Milford, MA, and Priscilla "Honey" (Sheridan) Roy and her husband Joseph of Franklin; five grandchildren, Nicholas Rosati of Blackstone, MA, Kayleigh Rudolph of Spring Hill, FL, John W. Sheridan of Temple, NH, Lily Sheridan of Troy, NH, and Anthony Clements of Milford, MA; two great-grandchildren, Kaysey Rudolph of Spring Hill, FL, and Theodore Clements of Milford, MA; four siblings, Mary Nearpass of North Bend, OR, Barbara Berndt of Montville, ME, Timothy Sheridan of Bellingham, MA, and Philip Sheridan of Milford, MA; and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his parents and a brother, Thomas Sheridan.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 11 at 2:00 pm at the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin.
A private burial will take place at the Memorial Garden of the First Universalist Society in Franklin at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Franklin Food Pantry.