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Sean Heslin Obituary
11/27/1942 – 04/24/2023
Ordained to the Priesthood June 11, 1967
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Sean Heslin. Father Sean Heslin was a fixture of spiritual strength and humility for the Diocese of Orlando for six decades. The sixth of eight children, Father Heslin was born Nov. 27, 1942, in Drumcauskeen, Cloone, County Leitrim in Ireland. He made his seminary studies at St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny. Bishop Peter Birch of Ossory ordained Father Heslin for the Diocese of St. Augustine (which encompassed most of the state) on June 11, 1967, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Kilkenny, Ireland. Father Heslin served at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Winter Park; St. Peter Catholic Church, Deland; St. Joseph Catholic Church, Winter Haven. He was named rector of St. James Cathedral in 1992. He was appointed pastor of Church of Our Saviour, Cocoa Beach in 2001. He retired in 2015 and continued to serve as pastor emeritus and remained active with the parish community until his health declined. He was a man of prayer, often found with prayerbook in hand, in-between ministering to the parish community. His love of God was light for all the people. Services to be held at Church of Our Saviour, 5301 N Atlantic Avenue, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 on Tuesday, May 2 as follows: 9:30 am Viewing; 10:30 Funeral Mass; 11:30 Reception. Internment at 1:30 pm at Priests of the Lord Cemetery, San Pedro Spiritual Center, 1901 Queen of Angels Drive, Winter Park, FL 32792 Funeral Mass will be live streamed at https://oursavioursparish.org/live-stream
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Memories and Condolences
for Sean Heslin
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
Elizabeth and Áine
May 10, 2025
For years now your dear sister, Áine and myself have worked hard on finding exactly how we are related. Finally found out it was many generations later than when too many of our Heslin ancestors perished in the Battle of Ballinamuck. To our not too distant Heslin family, condolences. We know he was a Blessed priest! RIP
Kathleen Rojak
January 31, 2024
Fr Heslin was the pastor at the Basilica of St. Paul, Daytona Beach in late 70´s. The school children loved him.
Capt. Kevin M. Mac Donnell
December 6, 2023
I was a student attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach when Fr. Seán was pastor at St. Paul's. As the son of Irish parents who grew up on Long Island playing Gaelic games, I would spend some of my Sunday afternoons pucking a hurling ball back and forth with him. My grandmother flew in from Ireland for my graduation and he joined my parents, my grandmother and I for my graduation brunch. I kept in contact with him throughout the years, but I never made it back to Florida to see him before he passed. He was such a fine priest and I will never forget his lovely Leitrim lilt for as long as I live. May he rest in gentle peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. Le comhbhrón, Capt. Kevin M. Mac Donnell
Bonnie Bareford
October 15, 2023
Fr Heslin was the epitome of priesthood. One of the chosen. He lead by example. I was an usher at St James Cathedral in the 1990´s. His service to St James and the community were unparalleled. Fr Heslin baptized my daughter . I am forever grateful to have been in his company for many years . Rest in peace Father. You were loved .
Jocelyn Azada
May 2, 2023
Fr. Heslin was gifted as a pastor and administrator and was the presence of God's love, peace, and compassion at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Winter Haven where I grew up and went to school. Always ready with a smile and welcoming spirit, his servant leadership created a loving and accepting faith community where people from all backgrounds could belong, be cared for, and care for one other. We, as I'm sure all of the places where he lovingly served, were blessed to have him there. May he rest in peace and joy with the angels and all of the Irish saints!
Laura Jain
May 1, 2023
Our family is sad to learn of the passing of Fr Sean Heslin. We thank God for the years he ministered to us here at St Joseph's Church Winter Haven. We remember him and speak of him with fondness and respect. Fr Heslin was a genuine servant of God. He exemplified what a Catholic priest should be. Rest in peace Fr Heslin and please remember us when you're in Paradise.
Jain Family
Winter Haven
Carol McGarry Pilkenton
April 30, 2023
Father Sean was a key figure in developing my spiritual life as a parishioner at Our Saviour. He was so caring and helpful during my daughter, Sharon's illness and eventual passing in 2009. Hope he and Sharon are having a nice chat in heaven! I'll never forget his kindness and empathy.
Buz Ausley
April 30, 2023
His delightful personality and joyful faith projected Christ's love to this Presbyterian. We will not see his like again.
Sarah Travelute
April 30, 2023
Fr Heslin: I love you and will miss you. Most of all, I want to thank you for visiting my husband daily during the last three months of his life to pray over him. Now that your in heaven, you´ll know how much comfort you gave my husband with your thoughtful prayers. Also, you performed my husband´s beautiful eulogy. Your kindness and loving care of your flock will never be forgotten. RIP Fr Sean Heslin.
Debbie Hogan
April 29, 2023
What a wonderful wonderful man! So glad we could be part of his flock!
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