John Walter Sheehan, Jr
December 28, 1923 ~ June 6, 2012
SOUTH PORTLAND - John Walter Sheehan, Jr. 88, died Wednesday, June 6, 2012 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough. He was born in Biddeford, on December 28, 1923, the son of John, Sr. and Marie Antoinette Hurtubise Sheehan. John grew up in Biddeford and graduated from Biddeford High School. He proudly served his country as a Merchant Marine in the Navy during WWII. While in the Navy he traveled to Ireland, England, and Japan, and was on board the USS Sole when the Japan Instrument of Surrender was signed. After his service, John owned and operated Murphy's Music Store for many decades in downtown Biddeford and he was often referred to as "Mr. Murphy". He enjoyed playing golf, watching the New York Yankees, and spending time with his pet cats. John was known for his enormous amount of generosity and kindness to all. He also had a great sense of humor, and was often described as a "character". In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his sister Barbara Parker. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Claire (Desnoyers) Sheehan; two daughters, Peggy Sheehan of South Portland, and Cathy Sheehan of New York, NY; and his very close cousin, John "Benny" Woodbury and his wife Stella of Saco. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 9, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland.Online condolences may be expressed below.
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Mr Sheehan has touched the lives of many as he treated everyone with kindness and respect. My first job was working at Murphy’s Music. It was a pleasure to be there with Mr.Sheehan. He had a sense of humor that ignited even the most ordinary day. I was so touched with the infinite love he had for his family. He will certainly be missed but he will NEVER be forgotten. He has left his footprints on the hearts of all those who loved him. Rest in Peace, Mr.Sheehan, thanks for believing in me!
– Jeanne Verrier Beland
To Mrs Sheehan, Peggy and Kathy, My very sincerest, heartfelt sympathies on the passing of Mr. Sheehan. My very first baby-sitting job was taking care of the girls plus we had the pleasure of being neighbors. My memories of Mr. Sheehan are those of a gentle, quiet man who always had a twinkle in his eyes and leaving you wondering if he was up to something. I loved that man and have always had a special affection for all of you. His memory will live on in my heart. Love, Carmen
– Carmen (Labonte) Fournier
My condolences to you Claire, Peggy and Cathy on the loss of your husband and father. John was a good man and loved his family. He had a dry sense of humor and was so funny. He will be sorely missed.
– Judith Desnoyers
Dear Cathy, My deepest condolences to you, your Mother, Sister and all your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol (Team BeeBop)
– Carol Logan
I want to express my deepest sympathy to you all. I was very fortunate to get to know John for so many years. We played on the same sofball team with Ray Petit, his friend. I would visit John every Saturday morning after breakfast and it was a pleasant time. That’s where I met you Clair, and Peggy. I visited there for a long time. Later on I used to run into John at the mall in the food court; again it was a pleasant time. Please accept my sincere condolences. Don Pinette
– Don Pinette
Uncle Johnny, I will miss visiting with you and blowing kisses to you from the window while you waiting for Aunt Claire to come out of the bank. You will be forever in my heart.
– Tracey Guignard
Cathy and family…our deepest condolences. Your dad/husband was a good man. I lost my dad 10 years ago and think of him everyday. I wish you all the best in the coming days and please know that your dad will be with you in spirit everyday! Ken and Pat kcrepeau@maine.rr.com
– Ken and Pat Crepeau