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John Sheehan Obituary
Sheehan, USAF, (Ret.)
November 24, 1933
July 27, 2022
John Joseph Sheehan passed away July 27, 2022 peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
He was born November 24, 1933 to Thomas Francis and Daisy (Clark) Sheehan in Haverhill, Massachusetts.
John attended Haverhill High School in Massachusetts and graduated in 1951.
John enlisted in the Air Force in 1953 and was trained as an aircraft warning and control technician. In 1961, he was one of seven enlisted men who were specially selected and trained as space surveillance technicians, known as the "magnificent seven," for the 14th Aerospace Force in the NORAD Space Defense Center. Throughout his illustrious career he served at Air Force locations in Massachusetts, Canada, New Mexico, California, Colorado, Johnston Island, and Italy, rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant before retiring from active duty in 1976 in Colorado Springs.
While serving at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts he met his future wife, Jane, in 1959. Together they raised their family and left a lasting impact on everyone they encountered. During his post-military life, he worked as a space systems analyst with Baker-Nunn SPACETRACK, Science Applications International Corporation, Kaman Sciences, and a professor and academic counselor at Pikes Peak Community College. He also achieved his lifelong dreams of earning a Bachelor's Degree from Regis College, and a Master's Degree from Webster University.
He was active with several Catholic school programs, the Retired Enlisted Association, and various other military organizations in the Colorado Springs area. Always the competitor, he loved playing sports, card and board games, gambling in Cripple Creek, the Lottery, Bingo, and all forms of trivia games. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends who will miss him dearly.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Daisy Sheehan; his devoted wife, Jane Adelaide Sheehan in June 2022; his son, Joseph; and grandsons, Curtis and Avery Kernkamp.
John is survived by daughters, Maureen (Timothy) Jackson of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Melinda Sheehan of Parker, Colorado; sons, Colonel Thomas (Robin) Sheehan, U.S. Army (Ret.) of Colorado Springs, and Timothy (Heather) Sheehan of Olathe, Kansas; granddaughters, Hillary and Lauren Kuklenski, and Ashley Sheehan; grandsons, Hunter and Hayden Sheehan, Jeffrey Kernkamp, and Jack Sheehan; and numerous nieces, nephews, sponsored Air Force Academy cadets and dear friends.
Visitation, 3:00PM-5:00PM, Tuesday, August 2, 2022, The Springs Funeral Services-North, 6575 Oakwood Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80923.
Rosary, 9:30AM, Mass of Christian Burial immediately following, 10:00AM, Wednesday, August 3, 2022, St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson Street, Monument, Colorado 80132.
Graveside Service, 1:00PM, Wednesday, August 3, 2022, Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sheehan
Evangeline
December 12, 2023
John was one of my favorite people in Colorado Springs. He always had a funny story to share about some of his Hispanic friends. He was kind and generous with his time and talents. I loved John, he was one of my favorites dads at Benet Hill. He was kind, generous, and loving.
Nancy (Cole ) Batchelder
January 9, 2023
I went to grammar school with John. Over the past years we have communicated via the Internet. He always sent me funny stories
We would meet at our class reunions.
The DiCiero Family
August 21, 2022
On behalf of my parents, Joe & Kaye DiCiero, we want to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss. We are so grateful for the wonderful memories we have of both your parents and the get togethers our families had so many years ago in Colorado & Italy. We consider ourselves honored to have known such fun and special people. Theirs were lives well lived. Joe, Kaye & Mike DiCiero & Lori DiCiero Gallagher
Mueller Kathy
August 1, 2022
Your dad was such a great guy, we enjoyed every visit with him and your mom! He lived his life so well, so full of love and shared that with so many of us! One of my favorite memories of him, was him picking up my 17th birthday cake dropping it and tearing up about it! Your mom loved telling that story, he woild always chuckle with that half grin and a wink. His enjoyment of dad/daughter with his own daughters and "adopted" girls were a testament to his big heart! His faith and heart also extended to my sister Jill as her God father. I know y'all will miss him terribly, but you know he's with your mom again in heaven and watching over all of you!
Our sincerest condolences and love.
Kathy & Hal Mueller
Sister Evangeline Salazar
July 30, 2022
I shall miss you, John. You and Jane were great friends. You kept me laughing during difficult times. I loved the sparkle
in your eye.
Susan Mitchell
July 30, 2022
What spectacular parents you were blessed with, and how blessed were so many others that you shared them! Such big losses so close together...they were a match made in heaven and now together at peace completely restored with our Lord! Love you and so sorry for your loss.
John Friel (III)
July 29, 2022
My heart goes out to you all in the Sheehan family. My Dad, John Friel Jr, also passed away earlier this month. Our fathers were 2 of the Magnificent Seven! My younger sibs know some of you kids better than I. We all have very fond memories your folks. I remember card games they and others of the M7 team would have at our house, and summer day trips visiting the typical sights in Colorado together. Our prayers to both your Mom and Dad, who will always have a special place in the hearts of the Friel family. John
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Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The Springs Funeral Services ~ Austin Bluffs4310 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
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The Springs Funeral Services ~ Austin Bluffs4310 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
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