Neil C. Sheehan, beloved companion, father, caretaker and educator, died peacefully February 25, 2024, at the Durham (NC) VA Medical Center, surrounded by family, after rapid onset of complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 76.

Born in 1947 to Richard and Helen Sheehan, Neil spent his childhood in Baldwin, New York, with his older brother and many close cousins who lived on the surrounding blocks. He grew up in a loving home fostered by his mother, a first-gen Czech immigrant, who raised him with an appreciation for good food and helped him develop a wicked sweet tooth with her culinary prowess. He graduated high school in Baldwin and continued his studies in trade schools, including becoming a licensed HVAC technician.

In 1968, Neil was called to serve in the Army via the Selective Service, rising to the rank of Specialist from Private E1. He was stationed at a number of posts, including in active zones in Vietnam, serving as a radio operator. His unit was exposed to the United State’s use of the Agent Orange herbicide in combat zones. He returned to the U.S. in 1970 and was honorably discharged, with a number of medals, after completing four years in the Reserve in 1974.

Neil enrolled in the University of Vermont and graduated with his bachelor’s in 1975. While there he met his wife of 48 years, Jane, and they were married in 1976. They have two children.

For the majority of his career Neil was a teacher, working with students from kindergarteners through adults. He taught at a number of schools in Vermont, his longest tenure serving as a shop teacher at Missisquoi Valley Union High School, rotating through wood, metal and graphics and he also served as department chair. In 1992, his family moved to South Carolina where he developed and taught the industrial technology program for the middle schools in Sumter District 17, introducing students to computer numerical control (CNC), robotics and other technologies. While working, he earned a master’s degree in adult education from the University of South Carolina. He retired after 38 years of teaching in 2010.

Family has been central to Neil’s life. A present and active father, he was a Scout leader spending countless weekends on camping trips and building Pinewood Derby cars, traveling on field trips, was a science fair project co-conspirator and used his skills as a Driver’s Education Teacher to help his kids and his mother learn to drive safely. Often he and his daughter, Keri, confused each other when doing math homework.

Neil was also a consummate handyman. He enjoyed working in his shop in the basement or garage on various projects, ranging from constructing additions to the family home and outbuildings at the family’s summer cabin, various home upkeep projects, to making dozens of pieces of furniture now in each of our homes. He enjoyed gardening and working outside, and he taught each of his children to carry on much of his confidence in tinkering.

A quiet man, but with a mischievous sense of humor, Neil loved to be with others. One could always depend on him for a perfectly timed witty remark, and he enjoyed to laugh. A shared meal was his favorite time. His care for animals was apparent in his love for the family dogs and cats, including raising his last, the zany chocolate Lab, Lily Bud.

Of his many roles, likely his favorite was beloved grandfather to his two girls, who called him Gumps.

Neil is survived by his wife, Jane; children, Matthew and Keri; grandchildren, Hannah and Madeleine; son-in-law, Ryan; sister-in-law, Susan; seven nieces and nephews, their spouses and 10 great nieces and nephews; four cousins, including his mother’s sister’s twins, Beverly and Bonnie, who were like sisters to him. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Dick.

The family is planning private celebrations of life and will place his ashes so he may enjoy a view in Vermont, which he loved, for perpetuity.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, should you be so moved, a donation be made in Neil’s name to the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinsons.org) You may also elect to have a slice of chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, his favorite, each April 23 in his honor.

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