Feb. 28, 2017
The Catholic University of America mourns the passing of Vincent Alphonsus Sheehy III, trustee emeritus, alumnus, and longtime benefactor who passed away Sunday, Feb. 26, at the age of 88.
Sheehy, Phi Beta Kappa, B.A. Philosophy, Class of 1951, served on the University’s Board of Trustees for 10 years and offered more than $3.8 million in scholarship and other assistance to Catholic University and, in particular, the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies. In 2004, he was awarded an honorary doctoral degree by the University.
"Vince Sheehy will be remembered as a longtime friend and supporter of Catholic University, particularly the Metropolitan School of Professional Studies," commented University President John Garvey. "We are happy to claim such a kind and generous man as one of our own."
In honor of his service to Catholic University, Sheehy was awarded an Alumni Achievement Award by the Alumni Association in 1975. He was also acknowledged by the Board of Trustees in 1999 for his years of service.
An experienced and successful entrepreneur in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 30 years, Sheehy was the president of Sheehy Ford from 1967 to 1993. He served as chairman of Sheehy Auto Stores for 51 years.
Born on July 26, 1928, in Washington, D.C., to Vincent A. Sheehy Jr. and Naomi Connick Sheehy, he was raised in Hyattsville, Md. After graduating from Catholic University, he served in the Marine Corps until 1953, then joined his father in the automobile business at Handley Ford. Later, Sheehy started his own business, founding Sheehy Ford in Marlow Heights, Md.
Sheehy was a parishioner at St. Luke Catholic Church in McLean, Va. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen, and his five children, Vincent Sheehy, Patricia Malloy, Paul Sheehy, Betsy Sheehy, and Ann Fowler, 15 grandchildren, sisters Mary Ann Kiley Shugars, Mary Jane Moffett, Maria Crellin and Giovanna Riley, and his nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 2, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA., with a funeral Mass at St. Luke to follow at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his honor to Missionaries of Charities DC, 2800 Otis St. N.W., Washington, DC 20018, or Gonzaga College High School, Attn: The VINCO Educational Fund, 19 Eye St., N.W., Washington DC 20001.