Woodbridge First Selectman Edward Maum Sheehy died suddenly on Monday, according to a statement on the town’s Web site and from state officials, and services are planned for this weekend.
“With profound sadness, the Town of Woodbridge announces the sudden passing of First Selectman Edward Maum Sheehy,” the town Web site says. “Information regarding funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sheehy family at this difficult time.”
Gov. Dannel Malloy issued a statement extending condolences to Sheeht's family.
“Ed truly loved the Town of Woodbridge and its people, many of whom he became close friends with over the years and whose lives he touched in so many ways,” Governor Malloy said. “Through his work as a civic leader, he dedicated himself to improving his community. His sudden passing comes with great sadness, and my condolences go out to his wife, Eleanor, and the rest of his family and friends.”
Sheehy was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1979 and has been first selectmen since 2006, according to the New Haven Register, and he was running for re-election in May.
He had been at a budget meeting on Monday and his death was a shock to people at town hall, according to the Register.
“I am heartbroken by the sudden loss of a great public servant and wonderful friend, who worked tirelessly for the people of Woodbridge and Connecticut,” U.WS. Senator Richard Blumenthal said in a statement. “Ed led by example with conviction and conscience, putting aside partisan politics to seek the best solutions to local challenges. I will miss him as a friend and leader. My heart goes out to his family.”
“I was deeply saddened by the news of Ed’s sudden passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his wife, Eleanor, and their family,” U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro said in a statement. “Ed was not only a remarkable public servant, but more importantly a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. His work in the community, both as a member of the Board of Selectman and as a civic leader, touched the lives of thousands and enriched the Woodbridge community in countless ways. Ed was an extraordinary person and I considered myself fortunate to call him my friend. He was taken from us much too soon and will be deeply missed by many.”
A special meeting will be held on Wednesday night to select a replacement for first selectman, the Register reports.
Local
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday April 27 at 10 a.m. Friends are asked to go directly to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 81 Center Road (Rte. 114) in Woodbridge.
Burial will follow in Milfordside Cemetery in Woodbridge.
Friends may call on Friday, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Our Lady of the Assumption Church of Woodbridge.
The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia, is entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to his church, Our Lady of the Assumption, or to the University of Connecticut Law School Foundation.
