Thomas F. Sheehan

Thomas F. Sheehan, 97
Saugus - Thomas F. Sheehan passed away peacefully at his home in Saugus, Massachusetts - the same home he cherished for more than 70 years - on the early morning of Oct. 16, 2025, surrounded by his children. He was the husband of the late Beth (Rooney) Sheehan. At 97 years, though he liked to say he was in his 98th year.
Born in Boston, Tom was the son of James Sheehan and Helen (Igoe) Sheehan. He spent his early childhood years in Charlestown before his family moved to Saugus, a town that would become both his lifelong home and his favorite subject to write about. A proud graduate of Saugus High School, Tom found his love of poetry during his teenage years.
After starting college at Brown University, Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War from 1950 to 1952. Upon returning home, he completed his degree at Boston College in 1956, a milestone that marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of words, wisdom, and discipline.
Tom's professional career spanned more than 30 years at Raytheon, where he served as Manager of Policies and Procedures. Yet his true calling was always writing. Across his life, he authored and published more than 50 books, earning five Pushcart Prize nominations. His work spanned poetry, short stories, personal essays, and novels-ranging from westerns to war tales, love stories to local history-all anchored in the richness of human experience and his deep affection for Saugus.
In recognition of his literary contributions and community spirit, Tom was named Man of the Year by the Saugus Founders Day Committee in 2022.
While his passion was writing, his devotion was family. Married to his beloved wife, Beth, for 35 years until her passing in 2010, the two built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unshakable love.
Tom is survived by his children: Laurie, Matt and his wife Tricia, Elizabeth and her fiancée Thomas Jarosz, and Jamie, and is predeceased by his sons Thomas and Timothy. He leaves behind cherished grandchildren: William Sheehan, Cavan, Riley, and Grady Sheehan, Alexa, Bobby, and Travis Pagliarulo, and Jasper and Irish Sheehan. He was predeceased by his grandson Michael Burridge, Jr. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara Lovett and Helen Parent, and predeceased by brother James Wilson, sisters Patricia Stickney, Mary Gaudet and Virginia Marino.
In his later years, Tom took pride in caring for the home while Beth worked, and he never stopped writing-continuing to publish, email editors at The Boston Globe, and refine his craft well into his 97th year. The family still remembers the unmistakable rhythm of his two fingers striking the steel keys of his typewriter late into the night. Tom also loved Saugus sports, and if he wasn't watching one of his grandkids, you'd often find him at a game, simply watching athletes compete wearing the red and white of Saugus that he was so proud of.
Those who knew Tom describe him with words like honor, family, and magic with the English language. Since his passing, the words most often shared have been legend and vitality. He will be remembered as a poet, writer, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, and friend-and for two of his most beloved sayings, Catch Ya Later and God Bless.
Donations in Tom's memory may be made to the American Heart Association, at heart.org
Service Information: Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Bisbee-Porcella Funeral Home, 549 Lincoln Ave., SAUGUS on Tuesday 4-7 p.m. A funeral will be held from the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 10:30 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer St., SAUGUS. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Saugus.