Robert Kauf Sheehan

Robert “Bob” Sheehan of Gambrills, MD, age 85, died on November 26, 2017. Bob was born and raised in Alliance, OH, where his father, the late Dr. Earl M. Sheehan was a dental surgeon. His mother, Myrtle, died at his birth; his stepmother, Edith, died in 1990. He graduated from Alliance High School and the Culver Summer Naval School. He attended Mount Union College, where he was named “Best Male Actor” for his drama efforts. Bob was an Eagle Scout, as were his father and two older brothers.

Appointed to the Naval Academy from Ohio, Bob graduated and was commissioned a line officer in 1954. He qualified for the Surface Warfare Officer designation on the USS Leary (DDR 879), and qualified as a Submarine Officer on the USS Torsk (SS 423). He graduated from Navy Instructors School and taught at the Fleet and Submarine Training Facilities in Norfolk and Pearl Harbor. Bob served as Executive Officer of the USS Tiru (SS 416), and received the American Expeditionary Force Medal for covert operations on that submarine. He received the Navy Commendation Medal for his efforts to assist crew and firefighters on a vessel fire near his quarters on Ford Island, Pearl Harbor. As Executive Officer of the USS Caliente (AO 53), Bob saw extensive duty in South China Sea waters, and was awarded the Vietnam Campaign Medal with four campaign stars. After a tour of duty in the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Bob was assigned as Executive Officer, and later commanding officer of the Naval Station in Annapolis. He was an officer of the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron and was active on Race Committee events. His last assignment was on the Superintendent of the Naval Academy’s staff.

After retirement from the Navy, Bob enjoyed positions in higher education administration at Anne Arundel Community College and at the Johns Hopkins University. He was a Contracts Department manager at the Martin Marietta Baltimore Aerospace operation, and later was a senior consultant at Westinghouse Oceanic’s near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. He retired after seven years as Business Manager of one of the largest private schools in the region. Over the years he was active in church choirs, musical and variety shows, and was delighted to be in a three-generations local musical production when he played the Preacher in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” along with his daughter, granddaughter, and two grandsons who were cast in this local production. He also played Mr. Lundy in a local production of “Brigadoon” which starred his grandson.

He was a volunteer reader for the Library of Congress “Books for the Blind” Program and was a professional voiceover talent. He was active in his family genealogy research and published their family history with two brother/sister co-authors in 2006. He was a member of the Annapolis Yacht Club, Fleet Reserve Association, Military Officer of America Association, the National and the Ohio Genealogy Societies, and was a life member of the VFW, the NRA, and the Naval Academy Alumni Association. Sheehan was the Chairman of the State of Maryland Transportation Professional Services Selection Board at the time of his death, and was on the Talent Machine Company Board, and several committees. Bob was an ordained minister. On November 19th, just one week before his passing, he officiated the wedding of one of his granddaughters, Amy Sonntag to Steven Fleming.

Bob lost his wife of 48 years, Sue Davis Sheehan, in 2003. He is survived by his three children, Katherine Sonntag of Crofton, MD; Robert K. Jr. and his wife, Pam of Chino Hills, CA; and Karen Walleck and her husband Robert of Severna Park, MD. He leaves six grandchildren: Danny Sonntag, Andrew Sonntag and his wife Lara, Amy Fleming and her husband Steven, Joey Ross and his wife Jackie, Amanda Sheehan, and Robby Ty Sheehan, all of whom he was very proud. He also leaves three great-grandsons: Wyatt, Walker and Warren Ross. Also surviving are his two brothers, E. Charles Sheehan of Canton, OH, and Dr. Richard K. Sheehan of Campbell, CA. The family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

A Memorial Service will be held at the USNA Chapel on Friday, January 19th, 2018 at 10:30 AM.