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John Keyser posted a condolence
Sunday, December 17, 2017
I was friends with Kevin since Westhampton Beach days, when we were 13, 14 years old. Wish I had spent time with him since we went separate ways to college and after. I will remember him dearly. A first-class, fun and good person. Surely, a family person, friend and attorney. A life well-lived!
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Mary Alice Cunningham posted a condolence
Friday, December 15, 2017
Kevin- We love you, and will miss you in our hearts. We were friends from 12 years old . You and Wonderful Janet have added greatly to my life and memories.
Rest In Peace. Lovingly mary
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Kevin Sheridan posted a condolence
Thursday, December 14, 2017
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December 14, 2017
In Memoriam: Remembering a “Lion of the Office,” Former Appeals Chief Kevin Sheridan
L. Kevin Sheridan’s legacy resonates at the Law Department daily. For those here during his tenure (from the mid-1970s to 1980), he remained the “smart, hardworking, dedicated” Appeals Chief.
We’re sad to advise that Kevin passed away peacefully this past Saturday, December 9th, surrounded by his loving family. At 80, he still exuded the kindness and joy that remained a hallmark of his Law Department tenure and his life overall.
Director of Professional Development June Witterschein said that Kevin brought her on board here. “I was a young, new lawyer when he hired me,” she told us today. “I cannot think of a more caring, thoughtful boss.”
She vividly remembered how seriously he took his work. “My memories were of sitting at a table in his office in the Municipal Building [where the Law Department used to be located]. There were so many records and briefs, we could barely see each other on either side of the piles,” she said. “In retrospect, I don’t know how he managed the stress of all those cases just waiting to be handled. He gently would assign one case at a time, never passing that stress on to us. And he would always do so with a smile and a tale about home. All cherished him.”
Former Executive Staffer and Appeals Chief Len Koerner called Kevin a “lion of the office.” The Hon. Adrian P.D. Burke (more here), who served as Corporation Counsel in 1954 and again from 1974-1975, brought Kevin over during Burke’s second tenure. Kevin, who had clerked for Judge Burke, took the Appeals Division’s reins.
Kevin Sheridan (left) with Len Koerner, who succeeded him as Appeals Chief in early 1980.
The two hold a legal document in December 1991
referring to the famed Monell case.
During this period in the 1970s, New York City experienced a severe fiscal crisis resulting in an understaffed Appeals. “Despite these difficult working conditions, Kevin maintained the division’s high-quality work,” Len recounted yesterday afternoon. “Kevin, a brilliant lawyer, accomplished this by handling his own caseload and supervising the division, resulting in an almost impossible burden on him.”
Throughout this entire period, Kevin also maintained his wicked wit and provided support and compassion for every division member. Len, who argued the 1978 Supreme Court case that landmarked Grand Central Station (more here), recalled how Kevin “supported my representation of New York City over the objections of many top-flight New York law firms, who argued to then-Corporation Counsel Allen G. Schwartz that they’d be better equipped to handle it.” After Kevin and Corp Counsel Schwartz stood firm, the City prevailed both in the New York Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. “Kevin represented the best of public service,” Len said.
Former Administrative Law Chief Gabe Taussig echoed some of June’s stories yesterday, too. He said, “Kevin was notorious for having a lot of paper in his office. If you came in for a discussion, you typically had to stand. He covered all available surface with work. I heard a story where a visitor cleared papers off a chair, so they could sit. Kevin, who loved to joke, went into a mock panic, claiming that the papers were in a specific order which had now been disturbed.”
Gabe added, “I have so many fond memories of him. Besides being an outstanding attorney, Kevin was a heck of a nice guy. I was impressed by the way he treated everyone, old timers and newbies, with respect and humor.”
Kevin handled one case that ended up having a broader legal impact. Kevin argued Monell v. Department of Social Services of the City of New York (more here). The matter involved a challenge to the then-New York City Board of Education's forced maternity leave policies. The Monell decision held that a local government is a “person” and can be sued in a civil action for deprivation of rights under Section 1983 of Title 42 of the United States Code (click here, then page down). The Supreme Court used Monell to reverse a prior holding, Monroe v. Pape (more here), thus establishing a new basis for liability against municipalities.
“My mom, along with my four oldest siblings, got to watch Dad argue before the Supreme Court,” Kevin’s son -- L. Kevin, Jr. – told us this afternoon. “It’s definitely a memory we’ll all cherish.” Like his father, Kevin, Jr., is a lawyer, although he works in private practice as a partner at Mayer Brown LLP. (And like his dad, neither of them has ever used their first name, “Lawrence.”)
Born in Manhattan in 1937, Kevin, Sr., was a devoted brother and the youngest of 12 children. Nine of his siblings predeceased him. His brother Jimmy and his sister Betty survive.
Kevin graduated from Fordham University, received a master’s degree from Cornell University, and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. He then embarked on a “rollicking” 45-year law career, according to his family. A passionate and restless scholar and advocate, Kevin embodied public service commitment. He held numerous positions within the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Along with his Law Department tenure, he served on the New York State Commission of Investigations, which was charged with investigating police corruption in the early 1980s. Finally, he served as a judge for the Village of Munsey Park -- a position he adored dearly. His family noted that Kevin also contributed to legal scholarship through his teaching, and especially through the countless appeals he argued before New York State and Federal appellate courts, including, as previously mentioned, before the U.S. Supreme Court. In each position, he mentored and supported his colleagues with compassion, loyalty, and humor.
Kevin came from Manhasset, N.Y., and lived in Stewart Manor. In addition to his devoted wife of 56 years, Janet, he will be lovingly remembered by his eight children: Kevin (and wife Maura), Moira, Claire (and husband David), Peter (and wife Michaela), Patrick (and wife Roberta), Kathleen (and husband Gabe), Deirdre, and Eileen (and husband Matt). He doted on his 23 grandchildren (ages 3 to 24), who called him “Pop Pop.” He also adored his dog Maggie, and all animals.
“Kevin will be remembered for his humility, sensitivity, commitment to justice, and deep love of the outdoors and all God’s creatures,” his family said in an online memorial. “These traits live on in his wife, his children, and his grandchildren.”
MEMORIAL INFORMATION:
Calling hours will be from 4-8 p.m. this Sunday, December 17th, at the Fairchild Sons Funeral Home in Manhasset, N.Y. A mass will take place the following day at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Manhasset, N.Y.
· You can send cards to: Janet Sheridan & Family, 1 Fernwood Terrace North, Stewart Manor, N.Y. 11530.
· You can reach Kevin at Mayer Brown here.
· In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his beloved sister Mabel’s religious order: The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne. Checks may be made payable to Rosary Hill and mailed to: Rosary Hill, 600 Linda Ave., Hawthorne, N.Y. 10533.
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Andy Burke posted a condolence
Thursday, December 14, 2017
My condolences to the entire Sheridan family on the passing of Kevin. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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Richard Farrell posted a condolence
Thursday, December 14, 2017
Please don't mourn. Celebrate your great good fortune for having the many years with a lovable man. Dick Farrell
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Shirley Lally posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Kevin’s passing. A life well led. A lasting legacy.
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Tim's graduation
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Tim and Dad
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Moira and Dad
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Dad, Tess and Maggie
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Dad with emma and abbie
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Dad after Tim's graduation in NH
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Kevin and Janet early days
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Moira uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Elizabeth Stevens posted a symbolic gesture
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Elizabeth Stevens lit a candle
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Beth Gates Jobes posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Oh Moira,
What a fabulous life your Dad lived.....what a wonderful daughter in you he had.
Always remember he lives on thru yo, all of his children and grandchildren.....he will never be far away.
I hope somewhere at his "next part" he will find my Dad....I think they would like each other and certainly they have you in common.
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Emmett Towey posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Kevin and Family.... So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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The Adaptive Sports Foundation lit a candle
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
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Jessica Heimberg Switzman posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
A remarkable, bright , compassionate and friendly man. I always enjoyed talking with him when I was visiting Claire. His stories and love will be carried on by his children and grandchildren. Rest In Peace Mr Sheridan ❤️
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Suzanne O'Leary Mills posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
I was so sad to hear about Mr. Sheridan's passing. He was such a kind and sweet man! He always had a nice thing to say to me whenever I saw him. He came to my Dad's wake in February and he told me to be strong because my Dad is still with me. I shared this poem by Henry Scott Holland with Claire yesterday:
Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Nothing has happened.
Everything remains exactly as it was.
I am I, and you are you,
and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone.
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was.
There is absolute and unbroken continuity.
What is this death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval,
somewhere very near,
just round the corner.
All is well.
Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!
Rest in peace Mr. Sheridan.
Suzanne O'Leary Mills
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