ALTON BAY---- Kevin William Sheehan, 72, was born in Cambridge, MA, on August 31, 1951, the sixth and youngest son of the late Warren and Gladys Sheehan.
In his childhood, the family moved from Cambridge to Tewksbury and onto Abington. During his senior year at Abington High, he met Elizabeth (Beth) Donlan and if you asked Kevin, he would tell you that his real story began on their first date, Christmas night.
After high school, Kevin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly carried the guidon as a leader for his platoon in boot camp. While he was assigned to the Naval Air Station Keflavik, he was awarded Marine of the Month and Marine of the Quarter. His fondest memories were the times he’d receive a letter from home or when he could afford a roll of quarters at the PX to call Beth from the payphone. Kevin and Beth married in 1973 and said, “Until death do us part” with unwavering conviction.
The GI Bill provided an opportunity for Kevin to study Criminal Justice. He worked for the Tewksbury Police Department and trained with the Boston Police Department Homicide Unit. During his tenure as a police officer and detective, he had a command presence and never hesitated in a crisis. Kevin saved a baby’s life, one of many similar incidents throughout his career when in 1982 he was named Policeman of the Year.
Kevin was a devoted father to his two sons, Ryan and Timothy. Whether in uniform, a sportscoat, or under-cover garb, he was always in the crowd at all their games and enjoyed coaching them in basketball. On the mornings he was able to help the boys with their paper routes, they got to listen to the real music of Elvis, Sinatra and Motown.
As a visionary, Kevin planned and launched a private security business. Throughout the years, his business expanded, employing hundreds of people with offices throughout New England and as far south as Atlanta, GA. In 1997, he sold the company to pursue a quieter existence in Alton Bay with Beth.
A quieter existence began with an opening at the Concord District Courthouse and transformed into the Director of Security for the State of New Hampshire Judicial Branch. His expertise in courthouse security brought forth another opportunity as a consultant for the National Center for State Courts, assessing safety issues in courthouses across the nation. What Kevin always did best throughout his career was to make people feel safe, retiring in March 2020.
He was an avid reader of biographies and history. He enjoyed an occasional round of golf or an afternoon boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee fishing. He was a faithful Red Sox fan and had a penchant for the 24-hour news cycle, always up on current events and willing to engage in lively debates.
Kevin’s heart grew, his smile widened, and there was an extra twinkle in his blue eyes when his two grandkids came into his life. Known for his delightful sense of humor, infectious smile, hearty laugh and generous nature, he was happiest when gathering with family and close friends in the home he loved.
Kevin’s real story ended where it began, when his heart stopped beating on February 27th, 2024, with Beth by his side. His loving heartbeats vibrated through our world and our lives during the seventy-two years prior. Those heartbeats, proud and strong, changed the course of many lives, reshaped others, and touched many more. That beautiful energy stays in all of us lucky enough to have known him.
Kevin leaves behind his beloved wife, Elizabeth, “Beth” of 50 years; his two sons, Ryan and Timothy; his two grandchildren, Grace and Jackson and their mother Kerry; his brother Richard and wife Lois; his Aunt Margaret; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins along with the extended Donlan family. His brothers Raymond, Warren (Audrey), James and Robert and his sister Mary predeceased him.
Join the family for a “Celebration of Life” later this Spring.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the Granite VNA for all their loving care and support throughout Kevin’s illness.
Instead of flowers, please consider a donation in Kevin’s name to Granite VNA, 30 Pillsbury St., Concord, NH 03301, www.granitevna.com or a charity of one’s choosing.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to wilkinsonbeane.com.