Celebrating the life of
Thomas Joseph Sheehan, Sr.
August 19, 1936 - March 17, 2010
Thomas Joseph Sheehan, Sr., passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2010 after a brief illness. Born August 19, 1936 in Savannah, GA, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Daniel Sheehan. He was a graduate of Blessed Sacrament School, Benedictine Military School and the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church until moving to Tybee Island in 1997, when he joined St. Michael's Catholic Church.
He began his career as an Independent Insurance Agent in 1959 with the Atlantic Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and then was a partner in John A. Peters, Jr. Inc. He went on to become President of Dixon, Sheehan & Titus and was the current President of Thomas J. Sheehan Insurance, Inc. Throughout his career, he served on many industry committees and boards. He served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1958 to 1964.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 631 since 1956 and the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee since 1959. He became a member of the Hibernian Society in 1977 and was elected President in 1989. He served in leadership roles in many civic organizations throughout his life, including Chair of the Savannah Ports Authority and the St. Joseph's/Candler Foundation. He was the current Adjutant of the American Legion Post #154. He was active in many social organizations including The Savannah Yacht Club, The Savannah Golf Club, The Oglethorpe Club, and was a past board member of The Chatham Club.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth Mock Sheehan; daughter, Elizabeth, her husband James C. Hamrick, and their children, Shaw and Lizzie, of Savannah; his son, Thomas J. Sheehan, Jr., his wife Jennifer, and their children, Caroline, Tommy, and Kate, of London, England; his daughter, Lollie, her husband, Kurt A. Niemeyer, and their children, Mary and Lucy, of Atlanta; his sister, Sister M. Lourdes Sheehan, R.S.M.; his sister, Anne, her husband, Odilo Blanco, and their children, Maria B. Katz, of Birmingham, AL, Joseph O. Blanco, of Atlanta, Angela B. Mandel, and Timothy S. Blanco, of Savannah, and their spouses and children.
The Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, March 19, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Blanco, Timothy Blanco, Timothy Sheehan, Kevin Sheehan, Brendan Sheehan, Leo Sheehan, Eamon Sheehan, Michael Farraher, Lawrence Katz, and Jeffery Mandel.
The members of The Hibernian Society will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Remembrances may be made to the M. Lourdes Sheehan, R.S.M. Education Scholarship at St. Vincent's Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401; The Hibernian Society of Savannah Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 8305, Savannah, GA 31412-8305; Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA 31406; or, The Social Apostalate, 502 E. Liberty Street, Savannah, GA 31401.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
Dear Sheehan Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Mr. Sheehan was a wonderful family man, and someone that I truly respected. You have all been so gracious and wonderful to our family over many years and generations, and I only expect this to continue. I know that I will sincerely miss his honest and supportive conversations, especially after I decided to live the life of an aspiring entrepreneur. I know that he will continue looking after all of us with all of the close friends and family that have all departed us way too early. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for anything. With Love, Clarkson
- Clarkson C. Logan, New York, NY
Tommy extended a hand of friendship to this 'Yankee' boy when I moved to Savannah in 1977. I spent over sixteen years working with him. He made it a lot easier. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Norm Brunn
- Norm Brunn, Orange Park, FL
As a friend of Lollie and Thomas, I'd like to simply express my love and support to all.
- Ashley Pennewill, Pensacola, FL
As friends and neighbors of Lollie and Kurt, we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that your memories of Mr. Sheehan will always be a part of you.
- Bliss and Rocky Stone, Atlanta, GA
Beth, Guerry told me the sad news yesterday when he came home from the golf club. We have so many happy memories of Tommy and enjoyed our years as your neighbors on 45th street. You and the whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeanne & Guerry
- Jeanne & Guerry Conrade, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, The Family of Mark W. Desnoyer
- Mark W. Desnoyer, Ferndale, MI
Our deepest sympathy to the Sheehan Family.
- Steve & Cathy Lange, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy was the sweetest person I've known. My heart and prayers are with your family. Fondly, Joan Allen
- Joan Allen, , GA
My condolences to the Sheehan Family.I have always held Tommy in high regard and I am thankful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Bob Brunn, Savannah, GA
The grace with which Tommy lived his life will live on. He was an outstanding man who will be long remembered. Our prayers are with Beth and all of the children in this time of loss.
- Patricia and Ralph Wallace, Jacksonville, FL
I am so sorry. neca
- Neca Stoller, Tybee Island, GA
On St. Patrick's Day, God took the best of us for His newest angel. Tommy was such a caring, fun, gentle man; and we will miss him so very much. Our love, support and sympathy are with Beth and their family. Lindy & Linda
- Lindy & Linda Willis, Savannah, GA
Our industry has lost a true gentleman, leader and professional. May God comfort Mr Sheehan's family, friends and coworkers. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during these moments. Risk Alternatives & Mgt..Kennesaw, GA
- Rich Maloney, Kennesaw, GA
Dearest Beth, Tom and I are with you in your loss. We are blessed to have been counted among Tommy's friends. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom and LuAnn
- Tom and LuAnn Hudson, Tybee Island, GA
As one of Lollie's friends, I was always made to feel like part of the family whenever I saw Mr. Sheehan and Beth. He was a pillar in every part of his life-- of his family, of his community, of his faith-- and yet he had incredible humility and grace. There are not many men left like him, but I feel certain that God called him home on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate his life with him. He will be missed by all of us, but never forgotten. Much love and sympathies to Beth, Elizabeth, Thomas, Lollie, and everyone who was lucky enough to have him in their lives. Ashley, John & Frederick Kane
- Ashley Kane, Decatur, GA
Dear Beth, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy was a fine man and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
- Lauren and Bob Tomhave, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Tamsin & Jef Euart, Atlanta, GA
Dear Beth,words are not sufficient to express our sorrow to you,Elizabeth,Thomas and Lollie.Tommy has been a lifelong friend,a gentleman,business man and leader.He will be missed and you will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Beth and Lollie, We are so sorry and will be remembering all of your family in our prayers. Thank you for all you both have both done for the Welch Park girls. I still remember Tommy bringing shrimp for all of us and cooking for parents weekend. Sincerely, Susan Hobbs Michelle's mom
- Susan Hobbs, Nashville, TN
Mrs. Beth & Family, I was saddened to hear of Mr. Tommy's passing. But rejoice in the fact that we will always have an extra special Grand Marshall angel in heaven waiting to greet us. My thoughts and prayers have always been and always will be with you and your family. God Bless.
- Ruth Tuttle Rahn, Savannah, GA
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories that include Mr. Sheehan. My condolences to your family. We are thinking of you. Much love, Michelle, George, Isabelle & Adelaide
- Michelle Banks, Atlanta, GA
Beth, Elizabeth, Jamie & Family. I am saddened to know of your loss. Tommy was truly a fine asset to the insurance industry and to our community and a good friend to me personally. I'm certain he is smiling upon us from Heaven. God Bless you all.
- Lisa G. Dyson, Savannah, GA
To Lollie and the whole Sheehan family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful man and true Southern gentleman, your dad, Tommy Sheehan. I cannot look back at my college years without thinking of the wonderful times shared with you all - your father at the center of the fun. My heart and deepest sympathies are with you With Love, Liza
- Eliza Tobias Sharp, Lyme, CT
Sheehan Family,you are in our thought's and prayers.He will be missed by all.
- Penny and Joe Lafauci, Augusta, GA
Lollie and the Sheehan family, I am sorry to hear of your loss and am thinking of you all. Patti Grimes
- Patti Grimes, , GA
Mrs. Sheehan, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Lollie, I am so saddened about Mr. Sheehan's passing. We have all lost a truly wonderful person. My condolences are with you and the whole family. Peter
- Peter Karp, , GA
Beth and Family, We were so saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. Tommy was a mentor to me the 23 years that I worked for him. Not only was he a great boss but he was a personal friend to me and my family. More importantly his family came first. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers will be with you and your family. Leland, Debbie and Krista
- Leland & Debbie Hughes, Carrollton, GA
One of the best indications of a great man is the character of his son. Mr. Sheehan raised a true gentleman is Thomas. I am proud to call him my friend. God Bless you Mr. Sheehan. I look forward to sharing a pint with you in that great Irish pub in the sky.
- Russell Wilkerson, Easton, CT
So sorry to hear the news about Tommy. He was such a good man.
- Shannon Burns, Savannah, GA
We've lost a great Savannah Irishman. My sympathies to Beth, Elizabeth, Lollie and Thomas.
- Page Mulherin, Savannah, GA
Dear Sheehan Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Mr. Sheehan was a wonderful family man, and someone that I truly respected. You have all been so gracious and wonderful to our family over many years and generations, and I only expect this to continue. I know that I will sincerely miss his honest and supportive conversations, especially after I decided to live the life of an aspiring entrepreneur. I know that he will continue looking after all of us with all of the close friends and family that have all departed us way too early. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for anything. With Love, Clarkson
- Clarkson C. Logan, New York, NY
Tommy extended a hand of friendship to this 'Yankee' boy when I moved to Savannah in 1977. I spent over sixteen years working with him. He made it a lot easier. I will miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. Norm Brunn
- Norm Brunn, Orange Park, FL
As a friend of Lollie and Thomas, I'd like to simply express my love and support to all.
- Ashley Pennewill, Pensacola, FL
As friends and neighbors of Lollie and Kurt, we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for your loss and pray that your memories of Mr. Sheehan will always be a part of you.
- Bliss and Rocky Stone, Atlanta, GA
Beth, Guerry told me the sad news yesterday when he came home from the golf club. We have so many happy memories of Tommy and enjoyed our years as your neighbors on 45th street. You and the whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. Jeanne & Guerry
- Jeanne & Guerry Conrade, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, The Family of Mark W. Desnoyer
- Mark W. Desnoyer, Ferndale, MI
Our deepest sympathy to the Sheehan Family.
- Steve & Cathy Lange, Savannah, GA
I am so sorry for your loss. Tommy was the sweetest person I've known. My heart and prayers are with your family. Fondly, Joan Allen
- Joan Allen, , GA
My condolences to the Sheehan Family.I have always held Tommy in high regard and I am thankful to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Bob Brunn, Savannah, GA
The grace with which Tommy lived his life will live on. He was an outstanding man who will be long remembered. Our prayers are with Beth and all of the children in this time of loss.
- Patricia and Ralph Wallace, Jacksonville, FL
I am so sorry. neca
- Neca Stoller, Tybee Island, GA
On St. Patrick's Day, God took the best of us for His newest angel. Tommy was such a caring, fun, gentle man; and we will miss him so very much. Our love, support and sympathy are with Beth and their family. Lindy & Linda
- Lindy & Linda Willis, Savannah, GA
Our industry has lost a true gentleman, leader and professional. May God comfort Mr Sheehan's family, friends and coworkers. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during these moments. Risk Alternatives & Mgt..Kennesaw, GA
- Rich Maloney, Kennesaw, GA
Dearest Beth, Tom and I are with you in your loss. We are blessed to have been counted among Tommy's friends. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Tom and LuAnn
- Tom and LuAnn Hudson, Tybee Island, GA
As one of Lollie's friends, I was always made to feel like part of the family whenever I saw Mr. Sheehan and Beth. He was a pillar in every part of his life-- of his family, of his community, of his faith-- and yet he had incredible humility and grace. There are not many men left like him, but I feel certain that God called him home on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate his life with him. He will be missed by all of us, but never forgotten. Much love and sympathies to Beth, Elizabeth, Thomas, Lollie, and everyone who was lucky enough to have him in their lives. Ashley, John & Frederick Kane
- Ashley Kane, Decatur, GA
Dear Beth, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Tommy was a fine man and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
- Lauren and Bob Tomhave, Savannah, GA
We are so sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
- Tamsin & Jef Euart, Atlanta, GA
Dear Beth,words are not sufficient to express our sorrow to you,Elizabeth,Thomas and Lollie.Tommy has been a lifelong friend,a gentleman,business man and leader.He will be missed and you will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Dear Beth and Lollie, We are so sorry and will be remembering all of your family in our prayers. Thank you for all you both have both done for the Welch Park girls. I still remember Tommy bringing shrimp for all of us and cooking for parents weekend. Sincerely, Susan Hobbs Michelle's mom
- Susan Hobbs, Nashville, TN
Mrs. Beth & Family, I was saddened to hear of Mr. Tommy's passing. But rejoice in the fact that we will always have an extra special Grand Marshall angel in heaven waiting to greet us. My thoughts and prayers have always been and always will be with you and your family. God Bless.
- Ruth Tuttle Rahn, Savannah, GA
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories that include Mr. Sheehan. My condolences to your family. We are thinking of you. Much love, Michelle, George, Isabelle & Adelaide
- Michelle Banks, Atlanta, GA
Beth, Elizabeth, Jamie & Family. I am saddened to know of your loss. Tommy was truly a fine asset to the insurance industry and to our community and a good friend to me personally. I'm certain he is smiling upon us from Heaven. God Bless you all.
- Lisa G. Dyson, Savannah, GA
To Lollie and the whole Sheehan family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful man and true Southern gentleman, your dad, Tommy Sheehan. I cannot look back at my college years without thinking of the wonderful times shared with you all - your father at the center of the fun. My heart and deepest sympathies are with you With Love, Liza
- Eliza Tobias Sharp, Lyme, CT
Sheehan Family,you are in our thought's and prayers.He will be missed by all.
- Penny and Joe Lafauci, Augusta, GA
Lollie and the Sheehan family, I am sorry to hear of your loss and am thinking of you all. Patti Grimes
- Patti Grimes, , GA
Mrs. Sheehan, Thomas, Elizabeth, and Lollie, I am so saddened about Mr. Sheehan's passing. We have all lost a truly wonderful person. My condolences are with you and the whole family. Peter
- Peter Karp, , GA
Beth and Family, We were so saddened to hear of Tommy's passing. Tommy was a mentor to me the 23 years that I worked for him. Not only was he a great boss but he was a personal friend to me and my family. More importantly his family came first. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers will be with you and your family. Leland, Debbie and Krista
- Leland & Debbie Hughes, Carrollton, GA
One of the best indications of a great man is the character of his son. Mr. Sheehan raised a true gentleman is Thomas. I am proud to call him my friend. God Bless you Mr. Sheehan. I look forward to sharing a pint with you in that great Irish pub in the sky.
- Russell Wilkerson, Easton, CT
So sorry to hear the news about Tommy. He was such a good man.
- Shannon Burns, Savannah, GA
We've lost a great Savannah Irishman. My sympathies to Beth, Elizabeth, Lollie and Thomas.
- Page Mulherin, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
