John E. Sheehy - Obituary

ohn Edward Sheehy was born in Washington, DC on 27 April 1958 to the late Mary Cecilia Sheehy and Donald Joseph Sheehy and passed on 10 October 2024 from an illness. John grew up in Washington DC and Bethesda. After graduating from Walt Whitman High School in Bethesda, Maryland, John attended the University of Maryland College Park. John had always been called to service and he enthusiastically answered that call by joining the United States Coast Guard. John’s favorite duty station was in Kodiak, Alaska. John was awarded two commendations for military conduct and lifesaving decision-making while coordinating the response to two maritime disasters. One was a cruise ship on fire off the coast of Alaska. The other was a fishing vessel taking on water off the coast of New Zealand. John refused to be relieved of his duty until all passengers and crew were safe. John’s devotion to service was only eclipsed by his love and devotion to his family. John married the love of his life, Christine Jones Sheehy, on 8 September 2001. Together they had two children. John always shared the pride he had of Christine as a mother and her dedication to their family. He could often be heard talking about Ella‘s academic and dance prowess. Similarly, John always talked about Andrew hitting long balls in baseball and what an amazing man he was becoming. John was the kind of family member or friend that was only a phone call away. He was happy to drive you to the airport at 4 AM or have those eight-minute calls about life’s trials and tribulations. John was like an M&M. He did have a hard exterior, but the inside was sweet and caring. John will be missed by all of those who have known him. John was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Cecilia and Donald Joseph Sheehy; his brothers, Kimberly Michael and Andrew Dominic and his father-in-law, Tom Jones. John is survived by his wife of 23 years, Christine; his daughter, Ella and his son, Andrew. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dolores Jones; his aunt, Peggy Price and his brothers, Patrick (Nicole), Thaddeus and Terence (Tracey Lynn); ten nieces and nephews, and six great nieces and nephews. John’s quick wit and soft heart will be missed by all. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, 826 W. Central Avenue, Davidsonville, MD. A reception will follow with details to come.