Dennis Michael Sheehan (or “Denny Mike” as his family knew him), 79, of Oak Park, died on Jan. 4, 2021. Born on March 4, 1941 in Chicago to Dr. Edward Sheehan and Phyllis Sheehan (nee Freeman), he attended grade school at St. Thomas Aquinas in Chicago and St. Vincent Ferrer in River Forest. He graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School in 1959, joined the Army Reserve in 1963 and proudly served his country until 1969. He worked as a broker at the Chicago Board of Trade, alongside his brothers Terrance and Thomas, until his retirement in 1998.
He married the love of his life, Joan K. Sheehan (nee McGough) on Oct. 8, 1983, and became a father on June 13, 1986 with the birth of his first son, Seamus. Their two other sons, Eamonn and Padraig were born on April 4, 1988 and Oct. 13, 1990 respectively. He lived for his boys and grew to become not only their father but their best friend. His own father died when he was only 16, so he cherished every moment of being a father and was incredibly proud of his sons’ accomplishments.
Standing a mere 5-feet-7, he had a towering personality. Always ready with a joke, he brought a smile to everyone and was instantly recognized every March as he celebrated his Irish heritage at area St. Patrick’s Day parades in his kilt. He loved St. Patrick’s Day and was a marshal in the Chicago parade for over 30 years. He also enjoyed hunting and took great pride in sharing his love of the outdoors with his sons.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Joan; his sons, Seamus, Eamonn, and Padraig, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. He had four brothers who predeceased him, Edward, Phillip, Terrance, and Thomas Sheehan.
A private funeral service was held at St. Giles Catholic Church on Jan. 12. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Misericordia (www.misericordia.org).
Arrangements were handled by Drechsler, Brown & Williams Funeral Home.
