Joseph D. Sheehan

Joseph Dean Sheehan, 72, of AHEPA Apartments, 87 Girard Avenue, Newport, RI, died on Monday, March 22, 2010 at his home.Born in New Haven, CT, on April 15, 1937, he was the son of the late John H. and Ethel B. Hines Sheehan, and preceeded in death by his brother, John Jr.Mr. Sheehan was ordained in 1964 by the Maryknoll Missionary Order and worked as a missionary in Africa until 1974, where he focused on community development, particularly in helping those afflicted with leprosy remain with their families and become financially independent. From 1974 to 1976, he served in the Chaplain Corp of the US Army, attaining the rank of Captain. He most recently worked as a case manager and substance abuse counselor at the Mckinney Cooperative Shelter in Newport. He also volunteered with the Literacy Volunteers of America, Newport County, and the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol. He was dedicated to always serving those in need, especially the disenfranchised and suffering.He is survived by his former wife, Carol; two daughters, Erin M. Giannini of Albuquerque, NM, and Heather A. Lewis of Springfield, MO; three grandchildren, Chelsea, Benjamin, and Jacob Lewis; a nephew, John Henry Sheehan III; and four nieces: Sharon Sheehan Dyer, Kathleen Sheehan Perrone, Patricia Sheehan, and Maureen Sheehan.A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 10 am in St. Joseph Church, Broadway at Mann Avenue, Newport, RI.In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Heifer International http://www.heifer.org/ or Maryknoll http://www.maryknollsociety.org.