Francis Martin Sheehan

WESTMERE - Francis (Frank) Martin Sheehan passed away on Thursday evening, January 17, 2013, at St. Peter's Hospice, two weeks shy of celebrating his 93rd birthday, and just four months after losing the love of his life, Joan M. Sheehan.

Born February 1, 1920 to Rose and John Francis Sheehan, Frank began a lifelong journey of service -- to his country, community, family, friends and church. In 1938, Frank graduated from Vincentian Institute and attended Siena College, where he graduated four years later.

In 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, attended parachute school to become a glider trooper, and proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division – Signal Company during World War II in England, France, Holland, Belgium and Germany until the war ended in 1945. Frank spent from mid-December through the end of January 1945 in Bastogne, taking part in the famous Battle of the Bulge.

While in the Army, Frank met and married Joan Morrissey, a beautiful marriage that lasted nearly 70 years until Joan passed away on September 16, 2012.

After the war, Frank attended Albany Law School in 1946 - but left to sell law books for Nerwkirk Associates. He then formed Readers Service Bureau Inc. (with Time Inc.), and became a partner in Lightning Express, while attending Russell Sage College for Traffic & Transportation. In 1956, he founded Crest Incorporated, where he was President for 26 years until he retired. Finding retirement boring, Frank continued his lifelong interest in investments by successfully earning a FINRA Series 7 securities license.

Frank was heavily involved in his community. He was a dedicated member of Christ the King Parish as an usher and member of the Bereavement Committee. He served on many boards during his lifetime, including the board of Norelco Distributors Assoc., and the board of the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce for 17 years, during which he served a term as Vice President. He also served a term on the board of the Guilderland Library as Treasurer, and helped organize the Guilderland Library Foundation, becoming President in 2006.

Frank was a successful entrepreneur, investor, husband, father and survivor -- and an inspiration to everyone around him.

Reunited with Joan, Frank is survived by his children Robert and Cheryl (Darrah) Sheehan, Cindy (Sheehan) and William Kelleher, Stephen Sheehan and Gregg Sheehan, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Tuesday, January 22 from 4-7 p.m. in the chapel at Christ the King Church at 20 Sumter Ave., Albany. During this time the parish family of Christ the King will gather at the church for a service for prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Church, with burial immediately following at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Memorial contributions to Christ the King Church in Frank's name would be greatly appreciated.