Obituary of Francis J. “Frank” Sheeran

Francis J. “Frank” Sheeran, Sr, 82, a lifelong resident of Woburn, passed away after a lengthy illness on Saturday evening, August 28. He was the husband of Helen E. (Purcell) Sheeran. Born and raised in Woburn, he was the oldest of five children of the late Thomas F., and the late Esther G. (Sullivan) Sheeran. “Frank” as he was known to family and friends, was a graduate of Woburn High School, Class of 1956, and he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Northeastern University in 1962. After graduating from Northeastern, Frank enlisted in the Army. He served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Darmstadt, West Germany, earning his Honorable Discharge in 1965. Frank spent his career in the insurance industry, retiring from E.A. Stevens Insurance Company in Malden in 1999. Frank was a 60-year member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Woburn Lodge of Elks, #908. He had also served as the Lodge Secretary. Frank was also a member of the Woburn Irish-American Club, and the American Legion Post 101 in Woburn; and he was a member of the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors. Frank enjoyed his sons as he watched them grow into amazing men and supported their many achievements. He was so very proud of his children and told everyone he met about their successes. Frank was thrilled when he became a grandfather to Patrick and Michael and years later to Jessica and Nick. Frank was the hit of the party, every niece and nephew absolutely adored him. The Halloween Parade was his favorite time of year! Having a prime spot at the beginning of the parade route, Frank set up chairs, bought lots of food and had a ball watching all the kids in their costumes, giving them candy and sending them home. Frank’s bride of 53 years, Helen was the apple of his eye! They enjoyed many trips to the beach down the Cape with their children. After being in their home for over 50 years, as well as taking care of the neighborhood “Bunnies,” Frank and Helen moved to Benchmark Senior Living in Woburn 3 months ago. Both, being very social people, enjoyed meeting new people and loved the calm and relaxing environment they were in. In addition to his wife Helen, Frank is survived by two sons, Francis J. Sheeran, Jr. and his wife Susan M. of Northville, NY; and Peter T. Sheeran and his wife Donna of Pelham, NH; four grandchildren, Michael T. and Patrick J. Sheeran; and Jessica Thompson and her husband Keith, and Nicholas Scribner and his wife Marissa. Frank is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Ellie and Gracie Thompson, and Addie and James Scribner; and he was the brother of Elizabeth A. Sheeran of Beverly, James H. Sheeran of Medford, Martha E. Matthews and her husband Raymond of West Newbury, and the late Thomas F. Sheeran, Jr. and his wife Kathleen A. Sheeran of North Reading. Visiting hours will be at the Graham Funeral Home, 3 Arlington Rd., Woburn on Tuesday, August 31 from 3:00-7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Margaret’s Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St., Burlington on Wednesday, September 1 at 10:00 am. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to the Boston EMS Relief Association (BEMSRA) P.O. Box 290668, Charlestown, MA 02129 (bemsra.net); or Run to Home Base for Veterans (runtohomebase.org)