Patrick Creed Sheeran

Patrick Creed Sheeran died surrounded by his family on July 8, 2025, after a long illness. He was 79 years old. He was born October 25, 1945, in San Bernardino. CA to Creed and Mary Sheeran.

He graduated from California State University, San Bernardino, where he was editor of the student newspaper. He served in the U.S. Army in Alaska during the Vietnam War. During his military service he developed a love of photography from his role as an information specialist. After his military service, he began his journalism career as a reporter at the San Bernardino County Sun. Patrick also served as a reporter and an editor at Gannett Co. newspapers in Rochester, NY, Boise, ID and White Plains, NY. He joined the New Hampshire Union Leader in 1989 and served as city editor until 1999. He then served as Sunday editor before becoming a managing editor. He retired from the Union Leader in 2009 as a managing editor / operations.

After retirement, Patrick and his wife traveled frequently in the U.S. and the British Isles. He was proud of his Irish heritage and Ireland was his favorite destination. A Los Angeles Dodgers fan in his youth, he became a Red Sox fan and a loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills.

He is survived by his wife Catherine (Benz); 3 daughters, Shana Gibbs of San Diego, CA, Kate Swed of West Sand Lake, NY, and Susan Sheeran of San Francisco; 6 siblings, Edward Sheeran of New Braunfels, TX, James Sheeran of Longwood, FL, Owen Sheeran of Redlands, CA, Rev. Father Akakios of Etna, CA, David Sheeran of Ashland, OR, and Marianne O'Sheeran of Medford, OR; 2 grandchildren, Milo and Hannah Swed; and 11 nieces and nephews.

There are no calling hours. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in Patrick's memory may be made to VNA Hospice of Manchester & Southern New Hampshire, or the Union Leader Santa Fund for the Salvation Army. The Sheeran family thanks VNA Hospice for their compassionate care of Patrick and their support extended to his family.