Gerard Sheridan had three loves in life — helping people, education and his family.
And spending more than 20 years as one of the original counselors at Westmoreland County Community College, and another 18 to Project Forward at Seton Hill University — a program that serves low-income students in schools across southwestern Pennsylvania — Sheridan managed to dedicate his life to those loves.
“Every person he touched was so impacted by my husband,” his wife, Patricia, said.
Mr. Gerard T. Sheridan, 82, of Greensburg, died June 7, 2019 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.
Born in Johnstown on Oct. 18, 1936, he was the son of Gerard Francis and Mildred Clare Sheridan.
Mr. Sheridan started his career in social work with the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in Johnstown after graduating from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Shortly after moving to New Jersey, he moved back to Westmoreland County to work as a counselor with the Hempfield Area School District.
After that, he settled into his position at WCCC, eventually becoming dean of students before retiring.
But retirement did not last long, with him accepting his new position with Seton Hill.
Despite his how much he loved his work, Mr. Sheridan did not miss a chance to spend time with his family, his son Brian said, who added one of his favorite memories with his dad was when he overcame his fear of flying to take his entire family to Ireland.
Brian Sheridan described his dad as having a great sense of humor and being a leader.
“He was pretty well loved by pretty much everyone he come in contact with,” his son, Gavin, said.
When he did have free time, Mr. Sheridan enjoyed watching Notre Dame football, helping people with projects and attending St. Paul Parish with his wife of 54 years, Patricia.
Meeting on a Johnstown playground more than 50 years ago, Patricia Sheridan said, “He knew I was the one from the first meeting,” adding they had “four beautiful children together.”
In addition to his wife and two sons, Mr. Sheridan is survived by his children, Tim Sheridan and Beth Carroll; and two granddaughters.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home, 516 Stanton St., Greensburg. Prayers will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home, followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in St. Paul Parish, Greensburg. Interment will follow in Greensburg Catholic Cemetery.
