Sean Michael Meehan

Sean Michael Meehan obituary, Myrtle Beach, SC

Sean Michael Meehan

Sean Meehan Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory on Jan. 11, 2025.

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Sean Meehan, 83, of Wallingford, Connecticut, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Sean's life was marked by a deep dedication to education, faith, and family. He attended Holy Trinity Grammar School, Fairfield Prep, Fairfield University, and Southern Connecticut State University, where he excelled academically and athletically, participating in baseball, basketball, and football. He later earned his Master's Degree in Education and a sixth-year degree in Administration of Supervision.
Sean began his career at Fairfield Prep, teaching history and French while serving as assistant dean of men, assistant football, baseball coach, and track coach. He was also instrumental in founding an Upward Bound program to support disadvantaged youth from inner-city Bridgeport.
In 1968, Sean married the love of his life, Susan Mary Moloney. Together, they built a life filled with love and purpose, raising their son Sean Michael Meehan Jr. and daughter Kathleen Mary Meehan. The family resided in Wallingford, where Sean joined Lyman Hall High School as a social studies teacher and coach. He later became assistant principal in 1978 and principal in 1988. In 1998, he transitioned to Mark T. Sheehan High School as principal until his retirement in 2000.
During his 37-year career in education, Sean played an instrumental role in advancing his schools' academic and athletic programs. He helped lead a successful accreditation process with the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and contributed to the formation of the Southern Connecticut Athletic Conference, where he served as secretary and president.
In retirement, Sean and Susan moved to Myrtle Beach, where they enjoyed beachside picnics, community gatherings, and Sean's involvement with The Hibernians, an Irish Catholic organization. Known for his infectious laugh and warm spirit, Sean embodied the saying "there are no strangers, just friends we haven't met yet."
He is predeceased by his parents, John & Helen Meehan, and brother James Meehan. He is survived by his beloved wife Susan Meehan. His son Sean Michael Meehan Jr, wife Tracy, grandson Brendan. His daughter Kathleen Tolmie, husband John, and 3 step grandchildren, Emily, Connor, and Christopher. His sister Peggy Meehan, her partner Judy Klein, niece Brianna. His brother Peter Meehan, his husband Dr. Orlando Canlas. His sister-in-law Joan Meehan, his nephew James, wife Cindy. Niece Kelly Williams. Brother-in-law George Moloney, wife Leslie, nephew Christopher, niece Molly. Sister-in-law Barbara Cali, husband Paul, niece Erin, nephew Patrick, and many other cherished relatives.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Sean's honor at 1:00 P.M., at Saint Andrew Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand Strand Humane Society in Sean's memory at https://www.grandstrandhumanesociety.com/memorial-form.
Sean's unwavering faith, compassion for others, and boundless love leave a lasting legacy. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. In his words, he wants to be remembered for "the job he did, that the kids were the most important thing, and that I did my best".
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April 27, 2025

Joseph Bivona Ph.D posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2025

Lori Hoelscher posted to the memorial.

January 18, 2025

Louie P. Pintek Jr. posted to the memorial.

Joseph Bivona Ph.D

April 27, 2025

I have just learned of Sean's passing. Sean was my best friend when I became Director of Pupil Personnel Service/Compensatory Education from 1983-2008. We did many things together like go to Florida State football games where my daughter attended school after she attended Sheehan High School when Sean was Principal. He was a caring, compassionate man, very smart, giving, caring person. he would help people thru their rough times, always there when you needed him. Even though I have not seen him recently, I will always remember him like a brother. He was an excellent communicator and High School Principal. Joe Bivona Ph.D

Lori Hoelscher

February 3, 2025

Mr. Meehan was the kindest most caring teacher and principal ever. He was the reason I went to Fairfield University starting in 1979. I made lifelong friends there and I thank Mr. Meehan for a wonderful education, happy life in my career and my best friends. I send my condolences and prayers.
Lori (Bean) Hoelscher

Louie P. Pintek Jr.

January 18, 2025

I first knew Sean as "Mr. Meehan", the no-nonsense freshman Dean of Men at Fairfield Prep in 1968. A few years later I had him for European History and he was a great teacher with an infectious sense of humor (my late mom loved him too!). He was also a dedicated coach.
I considered him "a good guy" as our career paths led in different directions. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to the entire family.
Lou Pintek
Fairfield Prep 72

Julie Hulten

January 13, 2025

Anything thing I had to say to Sean frequently ended with the words: "Sean Meehan, thank you for hiring me." It was a pleasure and an inspiration to work at Sheehan under Sean's leadership. Condolences to friends and family - his memory IS a blessing.

Paul Reynolds

January 13, 2025

Sean.... A principal with principles. His heart was always in the right place. Students were first in his educator role. Everyone was treated with kindness and sincerity. Sean had many stories that would make us all laugh leaving us to develop a deeper and enduring connection to him. It is a sad day for me. Sean helped me return to education a debt that will never be repaid. Rest peacefully because where ever you are it is now a better place. Paul

Shirley Shadish

January 13, 2025

Privileged and honored to work alongside and under Sean both at Lyman Hall and Sheehan. Always "one of the boys," always smiling, always compassionate, easy to talk to whether on a personal level or professional. Will always go fly remember him. Sympathy and prayers to Susan and family.

Jim and Shirley Shadish

Wendy Eaton-Soto

January 13, 2025

Sean Meehan was an amazing man. He truly made a difference to all of the students and staff whose lives he touched. He hired me as an English Teacher at Sheehan after I student taught with Pat Juliano. I always remember how encouraging he was. He would tell me that when he needed to feel good about what was happening in education, he would come into my classroom to watch me teach. That was a such a compliment coming from Sean. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Please know that his memory will always live on here in Wallingford.

Donna Gleason

January 12, 2025

My deepest sympathies go out to Sean´s family. His way of caring and communicating with his students and staff is what made him such a wonderful person and it´s why I loved working as his secretary for so many years. I was lucky enough to know him both inside and outside of work. His deep love for his wife, Susan, and their children, Kate and Michael, was evident in our daily conversations - and there were a lot! He and I started in the LHHS administration office the same week and we were together for 13 years there. I was promoted to principal´s secretary at Sheehan and Sean came over a year later putting our time together at about 25 years. He was truly the best "boss" a person could ever hope to serve.

Pam Koncki

January 12, 2025

I am so very sorry to learn of the passing of one of the sweetest people ever to walk the earth. I first met him when I was hired as his secretary at Lyman Hall, and in typical Sean fashion, we became friends, and along with our spouses enjoyed warm social occasions over the years. Jim and I send our deepest condolences to Susan, Katie, Michael, and their families as they mourn the loss of a truly great man.

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Sign Sean Meehan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 27, 2025

Joseph Bivona Ph.D posted to the memorial.

February 3, 2025

Lori Hoelscher posted to the memorial.

January 18, 2025

Louie P. Pintek Jr. posted to the memorial.