William C. Sheehan

William Charles Sheehan, age 71, of Dartmouth, passed away July 11, 2011 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Ann Sheehan of Dartmouth, MA, sister Elizabeth Enright of Floral Park, NY, daughters Alexandra Hartmann of Woodstock, GA, Erika Sheehan of Hamilton, MA and Natalie Sheehan Dias and husband Alfredo Dias of Chelsea, MA. He is also survived by Rene Moreno and Pedro Lucas of New Bedford and fourteen grandchildren.

As he was affectionately known, Bill was born January 29, 1940 in New Britain, CT to Charles and Margaret Sheehan. A 1957 graduate of New Britain High School, he went to Dartmouth College and Medical School and graduated from Harvard Medical School in 1964. He trained as a surgical intern at the University of Colorado Medical Center and practiced general medicine at Sansum Clinic, Santa Barbara, CA before further training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He came to this area in 1976 to treat pulmonary diseases and founded Pulmonary Care at the Truesdale Clinic in Fall River, MA.

Dr. Sheehan was devoted to both his family and his medical practice. A very principled man, he was deeply respected by those who knew him. In his free time, he enjoyed traveling and sailing. He was a member of numerous professional organizations and belonged to the Padanaram Wharf Rats. He will be remembered for his tireless efforts to improve patient care, his levity and his love of family. He leaves a legacy of dedication and compassion.

A memorial service in his honor will be held for family and friends August 6, 2011 at 5 PM at the Waring-Sullivan Home of Memorial Tribute at Dartmouth, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth. Visiting hours will be prior to the service from 3-5 PM. Donations may be made on behalf of Dr. Sheehan to M.I.N.D. at Massachusetts General Hospital to further research in Parkinson’s Disease. Mail in attention to, Sean Fitzgivens, 165 Cambridge St., #600, Boston, MA 02114. Checks should be made out to MassGeneral/MIND. For online tribute and directions: www.waring-sullivan.com