Richard B. McSheehy

Richard Brian McSheehy, 77, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, formerly of Millbury, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on October 1, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Belmont, Massachusetts, on March 24, 1948, he was the son of the late John Sears McSheehy and Rose Gertrude McKeon. Before beginning his career, Richard served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Malaysia, where he met his wife, Pushpum, beginning a loving marriage that lasted 50 years. He graduated from Millbury High School and the College of the Holy Cross. He worked as a physicist and engineer at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, where he spent many years at the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands. He later continued his career with the Office of Naval Research in Hawaii and at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where he fulfilled a lifelong dream contributing to national security and the field of space research.

During a break from his professional work, Richard and his wife, Pushpum, lived in Ireland, where he pursued his passion for writing and authored a novel titled The Viral Epiphany before returning to his scientific career.

He was a devoted husband to Pushpum and a loving father to Brian, Michael, and Justin. He cherished his grandson, Ryland McSheehy, sharing with him his curiosity and gentle spirit. Known for his calm intelligence, quiet humor, and deep kindness, Richard touched the lives of all who knew him.

He is also survived by his brother, John McSheehy, and sister, Maureen Mahan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://donorservices.alz.org/ 

Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Richard’s life by gathering for his Funeral Mass on Saturday, Nov. 15th at 10 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street, Millbury. Burial will follow in St. Brigid Cemetery, Millbury.

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If you wish to send flowers to these services, Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly for the best experience and value.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com