Joseph P. Sheehan

In the early morning hours of Friday, September 19, 2025, I ended my earthly journey and passed to the other side. I was predeceased by my parents May and Joe Sheehan, as well as my brother George, and nephew George Sheehan. I want to share with you some of my life influences. Margot and I have two sons, Daniel and Brian. Daniel's daughter Joanna is the light of our lives! In her four years of life, she has brought us so much joy. Brian's son, Drew, like his dad, is a sports enthusiast. At the end of my life my boys were by my side which brought me deep peace. My sister, Ginny, has been a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame for many years. In 1960 I was ordained a Catholic Priest in Rome. Thirteen years later I left the priesthood. Those years introduced me to the need for social justice in our world and to an appreciation of what it means to be a member of our diverse human family. I am very grateful for those years. For 28 years I worked in several state agencies, serving both adults and children. August 8, 1975, was the most significant day in my life. I married joyful, affectionate, compassionate, bright, witty, worldly-wise Margot Ryan, AKA "Little Thunder"! Margot was the rock of my life. We had 50 years together full of much joy as well as some sorrow. During my 90 years there were some people who had a profound influence on me. The long and unconditional love of Father Bill McGrath and Jack Giordano, a friendship I developed with my next-door neighbor, Ernie Harris and our professional relationship with Dr. Richard Feinberg, who supported us through some challenging times in our life. Each of these people lit the way on my path going forward. Retirement has been an enriching experience despite the isolation hearing loss brings. For several years, I volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Al Tarbox taught me how to restore stone walls, a task I loved because it was a perfect fit for my love of the outdoors, my zest for physical activity and my desire to contribute to the beauty of the world. Margot and I searched for years for a faith community that was open, affirming, and dedicated to service and love. Our search ended at the Gilead Congregational Church in Hebron. At the time we joined the Church, Pastor Denise Esslinger, an amazing woman of deep faith, hope and love laced with humor, welcomed us warmly. We came to love the community of people who made up this Church and till the end of my days I found peace and meaning with our current Pastor Brian Hardee who helped us learn new ways to make the world a better place. The following truths have been my life guides. "It doesn't matter how much you have or where you go. It's whom you have beside you that matters most." The quote from Micah 6:8, "Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." Thank you to each of you who walked this 90-year journey with me. The road was long, but I was never alone. My wake will be at the Farley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 34 Beaver Road, Wethersfield on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. My Memorial Service will be at the Gilead Congregational Church, 672 Gilead Street, Hebron, on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00 am. Followed by lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilead Congregational Church or to Habitat for Humanity of North Central Connecticut, P.O. Box 1933, Hartford, CT. 06144.