Michael Craig Sheridan, 38, of Hampstead, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2008 surrounded by family and friends at Community Hospice House, Merrimack, NH, following a long, courageous battle with cancer, and his affliction with cerebral palsy from birth.
Michael was born May 6, 1970 in Manchester, son of Philip (Wayne) and Judith (Pouliot) Sheridan.
He was a life-long resident of Hampstead, attended Kimi Nichols Development Center, Hampstead Central and Middle Schools and graduated from Pinkerton Academy, class of 1989. He continued his education at Bradford College, Bradford, MA, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in humanities in 1994.
Michael was a proud member of Hampstead Troop #33, Boy Scouts of America, and the Order of the Arrow.
Michael was a three time cancer survivor. Not able to work, he found many delights at home, caring for his dog, Leo, writing poetry, and listening to his music collection. One of his favorite pastimes was sports. He especially enjoyed watching the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics. A highlight of his life came in 2007 when he attended game two of the World Series. He looked forward to annual vacations on the ocean in New Harbor and Chamberlain, Maine, and he enjoyed camping at Seawood and Yellowstone campgrounds in Moody and Sanford, Maine.
Michael cherished the friendship, companionship and love of his family, friends and neighbors. He was especially close to two families: the Bowes Family of Newbury, MA, and the Bezdek Family of Bakersfield, CA. Michael felt he was part of both families. Both shared the love of their children with him and they became the offspring he never could have on his own.
Michael had a wonderful way of lifting everyone's spirits around him with his warm smile and infectious sense of humor. This was a gift he passed on to everyone he met. He would put your mind at ease, just when you thought it should be the other way around. Michael was all about living and love.
Michael never let the disease change his heart or who he was. He continued to enjoy the little things, even as he lay in bed in his final days. He always looked for that silver lining and seemed to find a humorous side to everything. His strength and courage was and will be an inspiration to all of us.
Michael is survived by his parents, Phil (Wayne) and Judy Sheridan of Hampstead; grandmother, Catherine Sheridan of Hampstead; aunts and uncles, Sylvia and Sal Ferdico, Roger Pouliot, and Tom and Elaine Pouliot of Florida, Raymond and Carol Pouliot of Merrimack, NH, and Philip and Rachel Pouliot of Nashua, NH., as well as cousins whom he loved very much. He also leaves his Godparents, Philip and Linda Beland of Manchester, and beloved friends John and Ellen Widman of Atkinson, and special Hampstead neighbors Bob and Betty Turner, and Ernie and Linda Swymer, and families. He also leaves his very special friend, his dog Leo.
He was predeceased by maternal grandparents, Roger and Irene Pouliot; and paternal grandfather, Philip W. Sheridan, Sr.
Visiting hours were 4-8pm Wednesday, May 21st in the Peabody Funeral Home, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry, NH.
The funeral service was held 11:00am Thursday in the funeral home. Raymond Pouliot, uncle to Michael, pastor of Riverside Christian Church, Merrimack, NH, officiated. Burial was held in the Forest Hills Cemetery, East Derry, NH.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palliative Care, Development Office, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, One Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756-0001, 603-653-0702.