Thomas Joseph Sheridan, 89, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on March 2, just six days shy of his 90th birthday.
Born on March 8, 1936, in Providence, Rhode Island, Tom was the eldest of three children born to proud Irish immigrants, Thomas and Rose Sheridan. He was raised in Barrington, Rhode Island, in a home grounded in deep faith and a strong work ethic that shaped the course of his life.
Tom was married for 64 years to his high school sweetheart, Mary Jane Traficante Sheridan, who predeceased him in 2022. Together, they built a life centered on their love for one another and their deep commitment to family.
Tom was a devoted family man. He and Mary Jane raised their five children in Touisset Point in Warren, Rhode Island, where they lived for 35 years in a beautiful home on the water. There he enjoyed boating, tennis, tending his gardens, and maintaining a perfectly mowed lawn.
Tom was a loving father to sons Michael Sheridan and his wife Maureen of San Francisco, California, and John Sheridan and his wife Michelle Richards of Warren, Rhode Island; and daughters Karen Sheridan and her husband Chris Clark of St. Augustine, Florida, Mary Sheridan Clough of Marblehead and Martha Potvin and her husband Brian of Marblehead.
He adored his nine grandchildren, who will deeply miss him: Kaitlyn, Brian, and Ian Sheridan; Emma and Kathryn Sheridan; Alex and Megan Clough, and Maggie and Elizabeth Potvin. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Matteo Caputi and Thomas Sheridan, and two on the way. He also leaves behind his sister, Rosemary Riley, and his brother, Edward Sheridan of Stonington, Connecticut.
Tom dedicated his entire career to the New England Telephone Company, rising through the ranks to become a division manager. After graduating from La Salle Academy, he worked full-time while studying business at Bryant University. He also served in the U.S. Navy Seabees Reserves from 1957 to 1960. Following his retirement from the New England Telephone Company, Tom joined Mary Jane at her real estate company, Harper, Ramos and Sheridan in Bristol, Rhode Island, where they enjoyed working together for several years.
In 2001, Tom and Mary Jane retired to Fort Myers, Florida, where they enjoyed an active life at Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club, spending their days golfing, playing tennis, enjoying the beaches on Sanibel Island, and singing in the choir at St. Columbkille Church. They cherished their Florida winters while returning north each summer to visit family in Touisset and Marblehead.
In 2022, Tom lost his beloved wife, Mary Jane, and soon after, his home to Hurricane Ian. This prompted him to spend time in St. Augustine with his daughter Karen before settling in Marblehead in 2023 to be near his daughters Mary and Martha. He spent his final years there, forming close friendships while living at Glover Landing and The Mariner.
Tom often referred to himself as “Lucky Tom,” a reflection of his deep gratitude for a life well lived. Ever the social spirit, he greeted everyone he encountered with a joke and a smile and had a genuine interest in getting to know people. His positive attitude, kind spirit and unwavering resilience will remain an inspiration to all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be held later this spring at his childhood parish, St. Luke’s Church in Barrington, Rhode Island. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Tom’s family.
