Edward Francis Sheehan

Edward Francis Sheehan, 88 years old, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at Woodlake at Tolland, surrounded by his loving family. Ed proudly served his country and was a decorated WWII Veteran having distinguished himself during military battle on many continents. Ed and Carolyn Jane (Smith), his beloved wife of 63 years, resided in the family homestead on Wheeling Road in Andover for most of his adult life.

Ed was born in Lindhurst, New Jersey to Dennis Patrick Sheehan and Anna Frances Ryan on January 21, 1922. His mother, a widow, married Frank Schatz of Andover in 1938. Ed and Carolyn, also known as Jackie, met in Andover, and married August 27, 1947.

During the Great Depression Ed worked cutting and delivering cord word, filling State sanding trucks by hand, and doing any work available to help support his family. His strong work ethic was passed on to his family.

Along with his spouse, Ed is survived by his five children and their families: Carolyn Sheehan and her life partner Pat Myers of Weare, NH, Joan Sheehan and son Ryan Sheehan of Manchester; Michael and Joan Sheehan and children Matt and Katelyn of Glastonbury, Nancy Sheehan of Northumberland, NH, and John and Janet Sheehan and daughters Elizabeth and Rebecca of Coventry.

Ed has numerous nieces and nephews, and the Sheehan house was always known as “Uncle Eddie & Aunt Jackie’s”. The loving couple had many close friends, neighbors, and honorary children. Holiday dinners were huge events and open to the extended family. He was predeceased by his sister Dorothea Anderson (CO), John Sheehan (NY), and Lawrence Sheehan (Andover, CT). He is also survived by his sister-in-law Eleanore (Covell) Sheehan, widow of Lawrence.

Edward enlisted in the 169th Infantry, U.S. Army, in March 1943 during WWII. He served in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, New Zealand and the Philippines. Ed rose to the rank of Platoon Sergeant (TSgt) and served with great distinction. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Philippine Liberation Ribbon w/Bronze Service Star (1), and the Combat Infantryman Badge. TSgt Sheehan served as an anti-tank gun crewman and infantryman. His official military record notes campaign service in New Guinea, Northern Solomons, and Luzon.

While in Guadalcanal, TSgt Sheehan contracted jaundice and was med-evacuated to a hospital ship and then flown to Manila. Upon recovering, he rejoined his men.

When WWII ended, Ed returned to Andover, CT. In September 1950, shortly after the beginning of the Korean War, he reenlisted in the U.S. Army and attended Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, GA. Commissioned in February 1951, First Lieutenant Sheehan shipped out to rejoin the 169th Division in Germany. While F Company’s Infantry Unit Commander, LT Sheehan was awarded the Germany Occupation Medal. As a result of the severe weather conditions in Germany, LT Sheehan developed a severe arthritic condition in his lower back which rendered him bedridden for months stateside.

Before and after WWII and the Korean War, Ed was employed from 1940-1981 at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft. He studied engineering at Hilliard College in Hartford while working in the engineering department at Pratt, where he was a foreman of Research and Development. He took pride in the honor of receiving an exceptional no-loss time award. His family cannot recall him ever taking a sick day in his 41 years of service with P&W. Aside from his regular work hours, Ed worked most evenings and weekends as a jack-of-all-trades throughout the community in carpentry, wallpapering, roofing, and house painting. These skills he passed on to his children.

Ed loved our New England sports teams, especially UConn men & women’s basketball, the NY Yankees, Boston Celtics, and the New England Patriots. An avid outdoorsman, Ed loved walking out in the woods, watching deer, bird feeding at the house and was active with the 4H, raising 13 heifers and sheep. Ed was an avid reader, especially of World and American history.

We will always remember Edward for his wisdom, encouragement, kindness, and love for his family, especially his beloved wife Jackie. His family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the wonderful staff at Manchester Memorial Hospital and Woodlake at Tolland Health Care Center for their love and kindness.

Friends and family are invited to call at the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Turnpike, Glastonbury, CT, Thursday, Nov. 4 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 5 at 10:00am at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dick Allen officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Townsend Cemetery, Andover, CT following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Andover Volunteer Fire Department,11 School Road, Andover, CT 06232. Please visit www.glastonburyfuneral.com for more info or to leave online condolences.