East Bridgewater Selectman David Sheedy Retires After 20 Years of Service
Town officials and family honor Sheedy's four decades of community dedication with heartfelt tributes
EAST BRIDGEWATER - May 5 - David Sheedy concludes his final term as East Bridgewater Select Board member this month, capping a 20-year career on the board and over four decades of service to the town.
At Monday's Select Board meeting, colleagues, family members, and state officials gathered to honor Sheedy with tributes, resolutions, and personal reflections on his impact on the community.
"You have been a huge supporter for me and for this community, and a strong advocate," said State Representative Alyson Sullivan-Almeida, who presented Sheedy with an official resolution from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. "You left really big shoes to fill."
The resolution recognizes Sheedy's service dating back to 1979, noting his roles on the Bicentennial Committee, as a Constable, Planning Board member, and Plymouth County Advisory Board designee, among other positions.
"You feel every heartache this community has felt. You have felt every good times, bad times, and everything in between," Sullivan-Almeida added. "Your family can definitely attest to how much you have given, blood, sweat, and tears."
State Senator Michael Brady’s office also presented Sheedy with an official citation from the Massachusetts Senate, acknowledging his two decades of "committed service" to East Bridgewater.
Select Board Vice Chair Peter Spagone reflected on his five years serving alongside Sheedy, emphasizing the positive changes that occurred during Sheedy's tenure.
"You've done so much, even prior to being in this seat," Spagone said. "I was told many, many years ago, you know, you come in and you find a place, and if you leave it better than what you found it, you've achieved so much. And you've done that in so many different areas."
Select Board member Carole Julius, who has served with Sheedy for seven years, spoke about his mentorship and friendship.
"When I came on this board with no elected official experience, I was your constituent, and then I was your colleague. And you treated me with kindness and respect and showed me the ways that I was wrong, mostly, but occasionally when I was right," Julius said. "We developed a friendship that extends far beyond the collegiality that this board has always had."
Sheedy's family, including his wife Kathy and their three children, attended the celebration. In his remarks, Sheedy introduced each family member with humor and affection, acknowledging their support throughout his years of public service.
He noted that his son Daniel followed in his public service footsteps and currently serves as chair of the Norton School Committee.
Despite retiring from the Select Board, Sheedy indicates he plans to continue serving the town in other capacities. He mentions hoping to join the Council on Aging board if appointed by the Select Board.
"I'm not leaving everything," Sheedy said. "I already have my office picked out upstairs. You won't even know I'm there."
Town Administrator Charlie Seelig and Assistant Town Administrator Rebecca Johnson were among the town staff Sheedy thanked for their support during his tenure.
The Select Board presented Sheedy with a certificate of appreciation and a commemorative plaque recognizing his 15 years of dedicated service as a Select Board member.
Sheedy's final Select Board meeting will be next week, when he will also attend Town Meeting before officially concluding his term on May 17.
Other business at the meeting included:
- The board unanimously approved updated personnel policies for town employees, subject to impact bargaining with unions
- Veterans Service Agent Christopher Buckley provided updates on Memorial Day services scheduled for May 26 at 10 a.m. on the Town Common
- Buckley announced a new monthly veterans coffee hour starting May 28 at the library
- Tom Benvie presented plans for a May 17 dedication ceremony for the Patrolman Albert Saccocia Memorial, honoring an East Bridgewater police officer killed in the line of duty in 1966
- The board witnessed the swearing-in ceremony for new East Bridgewater Fire Chief John Dzialo
Sheedy's retirement marks the end of an era for East Bridgewater's town government, with colleagues emphasizing his unique ability to connect with residents and advocate for community needs.
"There's not a person in this town or in this building that you don't know," Spagone told Sheedy. "It's definitely going to be a journey now for us to get through."