Thomas Sheehan

Given Tom's remarkable love of music and working musicians, we recommend that you make donations to the following charity that supports working musicians in need of financial assistance:

MusiCares
https://musicares.org/

National Association of Mental Health
https://www.nami.org/

Thomas C. Sheehan

August 14, 1955 – August 30, 2026

Thomas C. Sheehan, 71, of West Caldwell, NJ, passed to eternal rest on Sunday, August 30, 2026, comforted by the presence of his family. Born August 14, 1955, in Philadelphia, the first child of Thomas and Leonora Sheehan, he called West Caldwell and Montclair home for most of his life.

Tom was a graduate of Montclair High School, Class of 1973, where he played soccer and captained the swim team. In 1977, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, a place that indelibly blessed him with life-long friendships and venues to enhance his music talents. Tom enjoyed a 30-year career in education teaching at a number of public-school districts in Essex County, where he cared deeply about his students, always working hardest to reach those who had the least.

He picked up the guitar as a young boy, and it would become one of the great gifts of his life. In Lancaster, he played lead guitar with local bands, among them Rustoleum and the Speedboys. In January 2018, the Speedboys became the first group ever inducted into the Lancaster Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. While living in New York City in the 1980s, he joined The Silent Types, taking the stage at clubs like the Village Gate and Kenny's Castaways. The Beatles, CSNY, and the Grateful Dead were favorites. He beautifully played acoustic guitar as well. Music never left him — he delighted in gathering family and friends around his guitar, sparking sing-alongs that stretched late into the night.

A devout and faithful Catholic, Tom's faith was immeasurable. He welcomed any conversation that turned toward matters of the spirit. He received sacraments at Immaculate Conception Church growing up in Montclair. As a parishioner of Notre Dame Church in North Caldwell, he taught CCD and faith formation classes. His gift of Music was shared by singing in the choir. He was a brother of the Knights of Columbus, Montclair Council #1277. He found kinship in prayer groups, parish ministries, Renew Faith sharing, bible studies, and gathered in fellowship often — not least to make music together.

The eldest of four, Tom was gregarious, humble, and kind, a friend to everyone he met. He was quick to strike up a conversation with anyone, because he believed, simply, that everyone mattered. He gave much of his adult life to the people he loved, including years spent caring for his parents in West Caldwell, living alongside them. Deeply empathetic — "an old softie," by his own admission — he gave his heart freely to his family, sharing in equal measure their laughter and their tears. In his final years, he became our father's closest companion.

Life brought Tom its share of trials, as it does for all of us, but it never dimmed his smile or narrowed the room he made for others. He will be remembered above all for his music, creativity, warm wittiness, gentle manner, generosity of spirit, and the depth of love he carried for his family. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Leonora M. Sheehan. He is survived by his father, Thomas D. Sheehan; his brothers, James ("Jay") Sheehan and Michael Sheehan; his sister, Maria Sheehan; his sister-in-law Judy Sheehan, nephews, James, Kevin, and Ryan Sheehan; niece, Isobel Sheehan and his best friend Ginny Iuorno.

Tom will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A viewing will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park St, Montclair, New Jersey. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Notre Dame Church, 359 Central Ave, North Caldwell, New Jersey.