Remembering Francis - Part IIBelow is Francis' obituary from his son Chris. - mb Francis (Frank) Lloyd Sheahen, a fourth generation and lifetime resident of Highland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on August 16, 2021, surrounded by loving family members. Predeceased by his beloved wife Irene, he is survived by his children, Christopher (Vicki), David (Dana), Paul (Maureen) Sheahen and Claudia Shea (Christopher); cherished grandfather of Scott (Becky), Mark, Valerie (Kerry Bruno), Mary (Peter Fayan), Michael (Dani), Brian (Allison), Mariah, Patrick, Kevin Sheahen, Alison Shea (Jacob Sayward), Laura (Nathan) Haas, and Thomas Shea; special great-grandfather of Danielle, William, Emilia and Liam Sheahen, and Adelyn and Jack Haas. Frank was born in 1922 to Lloyd and Rena Sheahen. Frank was admitted into the Naval Academy in 1941, entered active duty in 1944 and served as a lieutenant and commander of the LSM 117 in the Pacific theater of WWII. Evidence of Frank’s future entrepreneurial prowess shone when Frank walked the halls of the Navy Department in spring 1941 in search of anyone who might aid in his admission to the Naval Academy and negotiated his successful midshipman appointment with Chester W. Nimitz, future commander-in-chief of the United States Pacific Fleet. Following his military service, he returned to his family’s business that remains today, Mutual Services of Highland Park. Frank had many other businesses including hardware, ready-mix, structural steel, building materials and fuel oil. Frank was also active in several civic groups including the Highland Park Rotary Club, and served in many roles in his church, Immaculate Conception. Frank loved sailing and ‘Captain Frank’ ventured forth with family and friends for many adventures on Lake Michigan in his boats, Kohilo and Rena J. Frank and Irene shared many common interests including worldwide travel but especially enjoyed hosting family and friends at their vacation homes at White Lake, MI and Ixtapa/Zihautanejo, Mexico. Their extensive time in Mexico each winter allowed them to become active participants in a non-for-profit organization fostering Zihautanejo children’s academic advancement. Francis was also an avid singer who was comfortable leading songs at church and instigating sing-a-longs at parties and dinners. Frank even compiled a book of favorite song lyrics for events. The family expresses its heartfelt thanks to Dito Sabaricos, Sheala Villabito and Manny Baybayer for their loving care of Francis in his final years. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 10 at Immaculate Conception, 770 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, IL from 9:00 AM until 9:45 AM. A Memorial Mass will follow at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a favorite destination of Frank’s, the Chicago Botanic Garden. Next time you visit the gardens, be sure to stop by Frank and Irene’s bench in The Esplanade, relax there and reflect on their memory. |