Obituary of J. Robert Sheehan

SLINGERLANDS - J. Robert Sheehan, son of the late John and Vera Rogan Sheehan, passed peacefully into eternal life at home on Monday, April 18, 2016, lovingly attended by his family who witnessed his strength, endurance and dignity not only during his final days but throughout the years. Born June 3, 1937, Bob graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1955 and went on to earn his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. Upon graduation he became organist at Saint Pius X Church, Loudonville, and taught at St. Pius X School. He later became organist and director of music at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, Albany, a position he loved for thirty-seven years. He also was a member of the music faculty at The College of Saint Rose, where he chaired the music department for sixteen years. Here he directed several performing groups, in particular, the renowned Masterworks Chorale. Bob loved his students immensely, even though he drove them hard, and they loved him. In the early 1970's he co-founded and directed Festival of Praise, a five-hundred voice ecumenical chorus that performed annually at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for many years. Bob was the recipient of the esteemed Carondelet Medal of The College of Saint Rose, awarded for outstanding service to the College and the community. He also received the Student Association Outstanding Professor Award on two occasions. In 2002, Pope John Paul II bestowed upon him the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, the highest award granted to a lay person in the Catholic Church. Bob's life was dedicated to music, and one of his happiest experiences was when he sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in Salt Lake City, UT. He was also extremely proud of his Irish heritage, and invited numerous friends to his home to celebrate with him. He also visited Ireland many times. Despite his forty-nine year struggle with Multiple Sclerosis, he persevered with dignity and strength. He loved to share the fact that his wheelchair had been up Mt. Fuji, the Rockies, and all over Europe. Nothing could dampen his spirits or keep him down. Bob loved his many friends, especially the wonderful "BRUNCH CLUB." Above all, Bob loved his Catholic Faith and his family. He was the beloved husband of Anne Harper Sheehan, his high school sweetheart and wife of fifty-three years, who was devoted to him in every way. He is also survived by his children: Michael (Genevieve) Sheehan, Maura (John) Barrett, Sean (Tina) Sheehan, Teige (Rebecca) Sheehan, and Siobhan (Travis) Rosencranse, and also his twelve grandchildren: Jack Sheehan; Faolain, Devon, Seamus, and Tiarnan Barrett; Aidan, Nora, and Maeve Sheehan; Rose and Cormac Sheehan; Teagan and Caolain Rosencranse, as well as his sister Suzanne (Thomas) Walsh, and brother-in-law Philip (Sandy) Harper, and many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday, April 20th from 4 to 8 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, corner of Eagle St. and Madison Ave., Albany. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 2:30 pm Thursday, April 21st at the Church. The Rite of Committal will be held 9 am Friday, April 22nd at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Upstate NY National MS Society, the J. Robert Sheehan Scholarship Fund at The College of Saint Rose, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, or Saint Thomas the Apostle Church (Delmar) Pastoral Care Program.