William Nolan Sheehan
Obituary
William Nolan “Bill” Sheehan, retired C.P.A., died peacefully in his sleep on February 15, 2018. Born July 5, 1925, Bill was the son of Nolan and Pauline Sheehan of Tulsa. His father died in 1927, and Pauline married Paul Lyons, who loved and raised Bill and his brother Daniel J. Lyons. Bill attended Tulsa schools, graduating from Central High in 1942. He enrolled at the University of Notre Dame in the fall of 1942; served three years in the Navy aboard carriers in the Pacific; returned to Notre Dame and graduated in 1949. His Uncle Herb Rhees forever teased “It took you seven years to get through Notre Dame.”
Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Catherine (Fitzpatrick) and their six children: Nolan (Susan) of New York City, Cathy (Craig) Wire of Chicago, Paul (Andrea) of Flossmmoor, IL, Martin (Kathy) of Cape Elizabeth, ME, Maureen (Pete) Russo of Kenosha, WI and Ida (Kim) Ford of Tulsa. Bill was proud and delighted with his eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He always kept track of their birthdays and took great joy with each photo and new story of the children.
He was a lifetime parishioner of Christ The King Catholic Church, sang in the choir and was a soloist at countless weddings in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Bill was also an active supporter of Tulsa Opera, singing both chorus and featured roles.
Bill and Catherine traveled extensively, but their favorite place was always the cottage at Pemaquid Point, Maine. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot and the family will always think of Bill/Dad/Grandpa whenever we visit the Maine coast.
Events
Tributes & Memories
Another member of The Greatest Generation that I always appreciated and enjoyed working with. Mr. Sheehan was absolutely one of my Dad's favorite people and I understood why without a doubt, a true gentleman. My condolences. Peace be with you all.
John McLemore III
To all of Bill’s family Tamra and I offer our most sincere condolences. Bill was a true gentleman and a great part of his generation of Sheehans . They set a very high bar for the following generations. Bill’s accomplishments are too numerous to list but suffice to say he excelled in all of them. Bill we will miss you but we are very blessed to have known you and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
David Sheehan
He was blessed to have a quiet passing. Every child deserves and benefits from a loving and attentive grandparent.
Mary Hearn
When Geri and I moved to Cliff Road, my father said, "You will have some great neighbors over there. The Sheehans are great folks." Well, he undersold it. Bill was the kindest, sweetest man we have ever met. We shared a wine and cheese several times a year while listening to Bill's great stories. He and Catherine included us in milestone family birthday celebrations. Best neighbors, ever. I had bought a small road grader attachment several years ago to fill in the pot holes on the private road we shared every few months. I know that all the neighbors appreciated it, but Bill could not thank me enough and sent fresh fruit every year as a thank you. Today, there is a big hole on Cliff Road and as hard as I may try, I will never be able to fill this one. I miss you, Bill. Thank you for being a friend.
David Small