Dennis Sheehan, of New Wilmington, passed away peacefully, at home, on December 23, 2009 after a five-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was 58 years old. He was born March 20, 1951 to John J. and Helen (Hvozda) Sheehan; Sharon, PA; the third of six children. He attended Sharon City Schools ('69), and recently attended his 40th High School Class Reunion. Dennis was a graduate of Allegheny College (Political Science, '73). He married Peggy Ann (Koosh) Sheehan on September 13, 1980 at Sacred Heart Church. They celebrated their 29th anniversary this past September.

Mr. Sheehan co-owned Sheehan Plumbing & Heating, Inc. for 34 years, and was the secretary/treasurer of the company. He was proud to be a part of the company that was owned by family and one of the oldest operating plumbing businesses in the state of Pennsylvania. Dennis also owned Sheehan Stables; currently holding part or whole ownership of 7 Standard bred racehorses. He enjoyed spending time golfing, watching his horses train or race, and spending time with family. He also enjoyed spending time at his cottage on Lake Chautauqua in NY.

Dennis considered completing work on the renovations of the Buhl Farm Casino to be an honor, as the park held so many memories. In 2002, he owned the Ohio Triple Crown winner, as named by the Ohio State Racing Commission, Room And Board. He was also a member of the Northwest Pennsylvania Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local 47; the United States Trotting Association; the Meadows Standard bred Owners Association; the Ohio State Racing Commission; the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission; and the Pennsylvania Harness Horseman's Association. He was a past member of the board of directors for the Western Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association. Additionally, Mr. Sheehan was a member of the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He was a parishioner of Notre Dame Church.

Dennis was a member of the 'Super Pool,' a group of college friends who stay in touch through an annual contest selecting winners of professional football games, which culminates in a party on Super Bowl weekend. The contest is highly competitive even though, by rule, no money ever changed hands. He was a participant for 27 years.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Peggy, and his daughter, Kelly. He is also survived by 5 siblings: James O. 'Jim' Sheehan and wife Barb, Hermitage; Maryellen (Sheehan) Tobias and husband Fritz, Bay Village, OH; John T. 'Jack' Sheehan and wife Christine, West Middlesex, PA; Thomas K. 'Tom' Sheehan and wife Nancy, Mercer, PA; and Edward F. 'Ed' Sheehan and wife Mary, Rocky River, OH. He has 11 nieces and nephews, 2 grandnieces (Kennedy and Poppy), and 3 grandnephews (Colin, Cameron, and August 'Gus'). Dennis also left behind his ?thinking buddy', a yellow Labrador, Cooper.

Dennis is preceded in eternal rest by his father (John J.), mother (Helen H.), as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

Viewing is to be held Sunday, December 27 from 4pm to 8pm at McGonigle Funeral Home, Sharon.

The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Monday, December 28 in the Church of Notre Dame at 12 pm.

Donations may be made in Dennis's honor to the Buhl Park Corporation (730 Forker Blvd., Hermitage, PA, 16148) to support the park he grew up in, the Michael 'Otto' Schmitt Endowment for the Center for Political Participation through Allegheny College (c/o Allegheny College, Box 44, Meadville, PA, 16335), and to the non-profit website that allowed him to feel the love of family and friends during this time, www.caringbridge.org/visit/dennissheehan. Most importantly, please continue to keep Dennis alive by sharing his stories.