Gerald Gordon Sheehan

Gerald Gordon Sheehan, born on September 24, 1935, in Corning, California to Charles G. Sheehan and Hazel L. Sheehan, passed away with his wishes carried out in the peace and comfort of his home of 63 years surrounded by his closest loved ones.

Gerald attended Grant Union High School, where he played football and was honored as homecoming prince. In 1956, he married Barbara Law Sheehan after a memorable first date over coffee. Shortly after, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served as an Electrician’s Mate Third Class (EM3) until his honorable discharge in September 1962. During his service, his first daughter, Kelley Sheehan, was born in June 1957, followed by his second daughter, Rhonda Sheehan Tonkin in August 1959.

A dedicated electrician, Gerald was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 340 for 65 years. He was also deeply involved in the Masonic community, joining Lodge No. 40 in January 1968 and later becoming a member of the Ben Ali Shrine Oriental Band.

Gerald found joy in deep-sea fishing in Bodega Bay and pheasant hunting with “man’s best friend”, Jack. His mornings often began with black coffee on his porch before tending to yard work. In his later years, he enjoyed working on model trains and indulged his life long passion for reading, particularly about world and California history. Above all, he had an unwavering love for his family, a roll he found true purpose in and took great pride in. His love always actively shown through loyalty and dependability. Truly living by example leading a life of strong principles of work ethic, respect, and responsibility.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Janet Bush. He is survived by his brother Bob Sheehan; sister Terry Sheehan; daughters Kelley Sheehan and Rhonda Tonkin (Sam); granddaughters Cydney Tonkin and Shelby Godfrey; and great-grandchildren Lincoln Corey, Sawyer Godfrey, Hartley Corey, Khalil Pridgon, and Holly Corey.

Gerald’s unwavering loyalty and dedication to family will be deeply missed by all who knew him.