Colonel David R. Sheahan, 79, of Westport passed away Sunday, February 10, 2013 at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River after a courageous battle with a long illness.
Son of the late Daniel M. and Gertrude (Powers) Sheahan, David Reeves Sheahan was born on September 19, 1933 in Fall River. He was a graduate of Coyle High School, Class of 1951. Colonel Sheahan had a Bachelors Degree in English Literature from Holy Cross College and a Masters Degree in Political Science from Auburn University earned in June 1955 and July of 1971 respectively. He was also a graduate of the Air Command Staff College and had completed the Air War College course.
Colonel Sheahan received his commission as a second lieutenant through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program at Holy Cross College in June, 1955. He had a wide variety of leadership roles in communication and deployment readiness throughout his career.
On July 30, 1978 he assumed command of the 253rd Combat Communications Group serving as Deputy Commander and finally named Group Commander on March 1, 1981which was a position he held until his retirement in 1988.
He completed 33 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard attaining rank of Colonel and holding honorary rank of Brigadier General in the Massachusetts National Guard.
Colonel Sheahan’s military decorations and awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Master Missile Badge and the Basic Aircraft and Munitions Maintenance Badge.
Over the years, Colonel Sheahan contributed generously to his church and various charities. He retired in 1988 and resided in Westport Point, MA where he enjoyed reading, jogging, theater, swimming, sailing and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his three children: David C. Sheahan of AZ, Colleen E. Yebba of Dover, MA and Janice P. Dey of Westport; his brother: John F. Sheahan of Fall River; 10 grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was brother of the late Daniel J. Sheahan.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Friday, February 15, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. from the Potter Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Church, Westport.
Calling hours will be Thursday from 5-8 P.M.
Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Fall River.