Robert Sheehan

Robert "Bob" Sheehan died peacefully at home on April 1, 2020, in Cobleskill, NY ,at the age of 86. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne Sheehan (Miller); daughters Rosalie Sokol (Roger), Maureen Sheehan, Colleen Sheehan (Said Yassin), and Erin Sheehan (Jim Snyder); and five grandchildren, Nadeem, Dahlia, Leigh, Lauren, and Jamie.

Bob was born on October 25, 1933 in New York City to Leroy and Ruth (Kelly) Sheehan. He graduated from Hartwick College in 1959. He married Yvonne Miller in 1957, and together they raised four children. Family was very important to Bob, and his children will always remember him as a devoted parent who encouraged them to work hard and pursue their goals. He served from 1954-1956 in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed in Staten Island and spoke fondly of his days in the service and of the men with whom he served.

Bob worked as a guidance counselor and as a college professor. He mentored many young people, leaving an impression, and even a legacy that lasts until today. Bob's daughters have been approached many times by former students of his, even many years later. His students tell of how Bob helped them to right their path and fulfill their dreams in life, because of his guidance and influence.

Bob had many passions, including politics, the outdoors, and music. He was a voracious reader and student of history, and he instilled that love of knowledge and critical thinking into his children, who will be forever grateful for his example. He loved taking long walks in nature. When he and Yvonne were living on the "farm" as he liked to call it, he would disappear for hours each day with the family dog as they took long rambles together, reporting back to Yvonne on encounters with the wildlife he loved to watch. Later in life he particularly enjoyed sharing his love of music with his oldest daughter, Rosalie, as they went into elder care facilities and led singalongs with the residents. Many older people had a brighter day because Bob and Rosalie sang with them and swapped stories about the good old days.

Bob will be remembered as having a saying for every circumstance. One of his favorites was "Death is a part of life." Another was "Life goes on." And life does go on for the family and friends who will miss him so, but not for Bob. As Bob would say with another of his well-used phrases, "And so it goes."

Due to the current national health crisis, there will be no public service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Progressive Magazine at  30 West Mifflin Street, Suite 703, Madison, Wisconsin 53703 or to the Animal Shelter of Schoharie Valley at  304 Howes Cave Rd, PO Box 40, Howes Cave, NY 12092. The family would like to thank Helios Care for their compassionate assistance during this difficult time.

Arrangements are entrusted to Mereness-Putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill.