John Walter Sheehan, Jr Obituary (1923 - 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.