Dr. Richard J. Sheehan, Sr., one of the most respected and admired veterinarians in New England and beyond during his illustrious career, passed away on September 30 with his family. in Mansfield, Mass. He is 91 years old.
“Doc” Sheehan served on several committees of the American Association of Horse Breeders and was president of the organization in 1987. He also served on the Board of Education of the Veterinary Medical Association. United States, responsible for accrediting North American veterinary colleges.
Sheehan, who graduated from the Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine, maintained extensive practice at tracks on the old New England track and consulted with Thoroughbred owners around the country before retired at the age of 70.
In the 1970s, the recognized lame specialist realized that New England was in dire need of more veterinary hospitals and a veterinary college, so he served on the committee whose work was led by the University of California. Tufts School of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
“I missed him from the way back and he was the best vet and a real gentleman from the old school. He was great in every way. He was good, he was kind, and he was give you the best advice and give your horse the best. Take care. Today I still have a horse that owes him,” said owner and breeder Susan Walsh, former canton manager at Suffolk Downs. know. “He’s also a very good mentor. He always has a veterinary college student with him.”
Jay Merriman, DVM, wrote in an online post, “He is a mentor to us younger veterinarians. He has maintained the highest medical and ethical standards. His words and advice were appreciated by his colleagues and clients.”
In 1997, Dr. Sheehan was the recipient of the New England Lawn Writers Sam McKracken Award, which recognizes his lifetime contributions to New England motorsport. His many awards and honors include ASPCA recognition and the Governor’s Special Commendation for his work on the Advisory Board of the Massachusetts Equestrian Commission.
Sheehan, who was previously the veterinary president of the Morris Animal Foundation, was born in East Boston, Mass., in the shadow of the Suffolk Downs. To help support his large family, he got a job walking the racetrack early in the morning before going to class at Sacred Heart Grammer School. As his family tells the story, when he was in high school, he was “in love with working with horses” and dropped out of school to travel with them year-round to other rings.
His dream of becoming a purebred trainer was interrupted when he was initiated into the Korean War. Though offered the chance to attend officer training, he declined and instead, he was sent to endure some of the worst battles of that war. When he was discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1954, he returned to the racetrack and was hired as groom by coach Lyle Whiting.
He eventually received his equivalent of a high school diploma and through GI Bill was able to receive his education in the pre-veterinary program at the flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and Cornell to fulfill your dream. After graduating in 1963 with a degree in veterinary medicine, he returned to the New England circuit with his wife, Jane, and their young child at the time.
Sheehan is survived by his wife of 66 years; His children are Elizabeth J. Sheehan, Mary A. Bai and Alex Bai, Richard J. Sheehan, Jr. DVM and Jana Sheehan, Carolyn A. Sheehan and William Legenza, and Diana Sheehan and Ethan Halm; and four grandchildren.
His son, Richard J. Sheehan, Jr., DVM, has joined his practice and continues his lasting legacy. In 2014, he followed in his father’s footsteps to receive the Sam McCracken Memorial Award and the same honor 17 years later.
Walsh said: “The doctor is the best vet and he made one of the best in his son.
Visiting hours are October 4 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield, Mass. Funeral services will be held on October 5 at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church, 330 Pratt Street (106 Street), Mansfield. Funerals with military honors will be held at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New England Veterinary Scholarship Fund in his honor https://www.vetessedscholarshiptrust.org/donate.html or to the New England Veterinary Scholarship Fund, PO Box 3221, North Attleboro, MA 02761.
