Gerald Sheehan

The youngest son of Beatrice and Paul Sheehan, Sr., Jerry was born in Rockville Centre, New York on October 12, 1944 and moved to Cocoa, Florida at the age of 6.

Jerry attended St. Leo Prep School, graduating in 1962 (62 students in the class of 62), he then pursued a degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Florida, graduating in 1967. Having grown up on the “space coast” Jerry returned to be employed by North American Aviation and began a career that spanned over 44 years. Having said “if you love your job, it’s never work”, Jerry enjoyed his job, and the sense of accomplishment a launch would bring. Jerry moved up the ranks from a MPS engineer to ending his career as the Director of Shuttle Engineering for the Boeing Co. in 2011. Along the way, Jerry received many awards for his hard work including the prized NASA Snoopy Award, Space Flight Honoree and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Award to name a few. His time spent as the Vehicle Project Manager for the Columbia space shuttle orbiter was the time he cherished most.

After retirement, Jerry turned to his other passions; rescue, trains, and travel. From the Southern Fuegian Railway in Argentina to the Ofoten Line above the Arctic Circle in Norway and many more trains in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and closer to home in the United States and Canada, Jerry never grew tired of seeing them in action. Part of the love of travel was cruising, many countries were visited throughout the world. When not traveling the world, he and Judy were fosters and transporters for Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida. Known as the dog whisperer, Jerry loved taking in the younger dogs and helping them become ready for a successful adoption.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Beatrice and Paul Sheehan, Sr. He is survived by his wife Judy, his children Kevin (Linda) Sheehan, and Jennifer (Ken) Ward, stepdaughters Melissa (Brian) Mulvaney and Nicole (Christopher) Lemley; grandchildren Ryan, Colin and Carson Ward, Anna, Sara and Will Sheehan, Lincoln, and Graham Mulvaney, and his brother Paul, Jr.

A celebration of life will be held at the Life Event Center, Florida Memorial Gardens on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry’s name to Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida.

For ordering flowers, please contact Suntree Florists and Gifts by phone at (321) 253-5511 or visit their website at https://www.suntreefloristmelbourne.com/