Terrence C. Sheehy

10/24/1937 - 02/04/2025

Terrence ("Terry") Charles Sheehy was born in Garden City, KS on October 24,1937 to Methvyn (Strauss) and John "Phil" Sheehy. He joined older sister, Sharon, and the family grew to include younger siblings Marilynn, John, Lillian, Tom and Linda.

When cajoled by family and friends, Terry would amuse with stories of his Kansas childhood, an enthralling series of near-death brushes with rattlesnakes, tornadoes, target practice by the creek, unexpected overnights in the Colorado mountains, and daring Mark Twain-like adventures with his childhood friends – quite the colorful cast of characters.

Terry's athletic skills earned him All-American and All-Kansas high school football honors in 1955. Despite being sidelined by a serious knee injury during his senior year of high school, he received a full basketball scholarship to Regis College in Denver, where he graduated in 1959 with a BS in mathematics. As a basketball star at Regis, he was called "One of the best little big men in college basketball" by the Denver Post. He took great pride in boasting that he held Elgin Baylor to his fewest points when they played in Denver - but his humility led him to quickly admit that Baylor scored some of his highest points against Terry when they played at sea level.

Terry left the Midwest to study law at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. When he moved to DC, a childhood friend suggested he look up her sorority sister, Patricia Murphy, who was from Northern Virginia. They married in August 1961 and, after raising four children and sharing many adventures, later separated in 2009. While at law school, Terry worked full time and attended classes at night. He graduated from Georgetown Law in 1962 and soon went to work for Howrey & Simon. At the time, the law firm was made up of fewer than 20 lawyers. Terry became a Partner in 1968 and held that role until he was named Counsel in January 1999. Terry served as Vice Chair of the firm for over a decade. He was instrumental, with his close friend and Howrey Chair Ralph Savarese, in building the firm's small antitrust practice into a recognized global legal powerhouse by the time he retired in 2005. Terry's clients included Anheuser Busch, Nestle, McDonnell Douglas, NASCAR, Perrier, and the National Hockey League, to name just a few.

Terry believed strongly in civic engagement and played an instrumental role in developing Howrey's pro bono program and launching a Conflict Resolution Training Program in partnership with Bancroft Elementary School. He was on the governing board or otherwise deeply involved with a number of organizations, many directly tied to his children's interests, including National Cathedral School, Sidwell Friends School, Georgetown University Law Center, National Organization on Disability, the Christopher Reeve Foundation, American Paralysis Association, and the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts. He was an avid supporter of local artists and, with the collaboration of prominent artist Lou Stovall, curated for Howrey & Simon one of the largest private collections representing DC area artists.

Although Terry grew up in the middle of the country, he fell in love with sailing as an adult. He devoted himself to studying navigation and volunteered to crew on friends' boats until 1975 when he felt his skill set supported the purchase of the Best Revenge; a gorgeous, navy blue Rhodes 41' sloop. After that, weekends were spent exploring the Chesapeake Bay with his family in tow.

Terry retired and moved to an idyllic Eastern Shore farm, which he bought with Pat. The farm became a joyful haven for his family and their friends. He happily spent his days outside on a tractor, managing and maintaining the property, and he enjoyed chatting with the numerous area professionals who helped care for the farm. He loved getting to know and learning from anyone he met, had many friends, and his admiration and affection for each person he encountered throughout his life was evident. Terry could speak on any topic. He was informed not only through his love of history and reading, but also through his love of conversation.

Terry's proudest role was beloved father to Jennifer, Alison, Michael, and Erin and adored grandfather to eight grandchildren. He never missed a game, or a play, or a recital despite his senior position and demanding schedule, and he always had time to help with homework no matter how late in the night his procrastinating children waited to ask. His children could do no wrong (even when they were clearly wrong). Some of his most cherished memories were of spending time with his children and grandchildren on countless sailing adventures on the Bay and in the Caribbean, on New Hampshire and Maine lake vacations, on Rocky Mountain ski and hiking trips, and traveling abroad. Terry embodied the spirit of an explorer, and he took his family on the adventure of a lifetime in the summer of 1982 when they sailed the South Pacific alone on a chartered boat with Terry as captain. As a father and grandfather, Terry was a constant source of deep wisdom, gentle guidance, joyous humor, and unconditional love.

Terry died peacefully while sleeping at home on February 4, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, John Sheehy, and survived by his siblings Sharon Hedges, Marilynn Sweangen, Lillian Valenzuela, Tom Sheehy, and Linda Moore; his children Jennifer (Richard Keller), Alison (Dan Markley), Michael (Kim Farrant), and Erin Sheehy (Jonathan Davidson); grandchildren Sarah, Hayden, and Sander Markley, Alice and Truett Sheehy, and Leo, Mia, and Serena Davidson; and wife Pat Murphy Sheehy.

A celebration of Terry's remarkable life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the National Rehabilitation Hospital, or the Medstar Georgetown University Infusion Center.