EagleTribune.com, North Andover, MA

HAVERHILL - David Witham's fondest memories of growing up on 11th Avenue include playing with his neighbor and best friend, Edward Sheehan.

During the 1940s and '50s, all two young boys needed to have fun were a baseball and their gloves. Television was in its infancy, and few at that time could have dreamed of high-tech gadgets, such as handheld video games and MP3 players.

"Playing outside was what you did," Witham said. "You'd go home when the streetlights went on, or else you'd be grounded."

Witham, 66, now a successful Boston businessman who operates three resorts in Bar Harbor, Maine, retains vivid memories of his friend and recalls moments such as the time they stepped on a hornets' nest in St. James Cemetery.

"We ran for what seemed to be miles," Witham said. "We went skating on Little River in the winter and went swimming in the pipes during the summer," he said of a spot on Little River where large water pipes cross the river.

Sheehan died two years ago, but Witham is keeping his memory alive.

Yesterday, he handed leaders of Northern Essex Community College a check for $104,000 to create the Edward J. Sheehan Memorial Scholarship. Sheehan's wife, Ronnie Sheehan, was with Witham when he gave the check to college President David Hartleb.

"Just recently I was thinking about Ed and thought about doing something to honor his memory," Witham said.

He contacted Ronnie Sheehan for suggestions, and she recommended creating a scholarship for transfer students at Northern Essex, a school with close ties to her family.

Her late husband graduated from the college and served as superintendent of buildings and grounds from 1984 until his retirement in 2003. Sheehan died of cancer two years ago.

"He fought it for five years, and during his treatments, he never missed a day of work," Ronnie Sheehan said. "He loved this school, and he loved his work crew."

The Sheehans' daughter Maura and son Ted were business transfer students at the college and went on to successful careers in banking and finance. Ronnie Sheehan worked in the college's reading and writing center as an administrative assistant for 10 years.

At the college's 2005 commencement exercises, Edward Sheehan was posthumously awarded emeritus status, an honor that recognizes sustained excellence in performance, character and meritorious service to the college.

"I'm very touched by the creation of this scholarship," Ronnie Sheehan said. "David is very generous, and I think this is a wonderful tribute."

College officials said the $104,000 endowment will generate the necessary interest income to fulfill Witham's wish of presenting $4,000 in scholarships next spring. The first scholarship of $4,000 will be presented in two $2,000 increments and will be awarded in the spring of 2007. Students can apply in February. The $100,000 will never be touched but will generate the $4,000 scholarship in interest each year.

Jean Poth, vice president of institutional advancement, said Witham's gift will be used to create the largest transfer scholarship the school has ever offered and that the $104,000 is part of the more than $2 million in endowments at Northern Essex.

"This is a major donation, and it will make a major difference," Poth said.

This past spring, NECC handed out $127,000 in scholarships to graduating students, Poth said.

PG1 BOX

Edward J. Sheehan Memorial Scholarship

Will be presented each year to a student who is graduating from Northern Essex and transferring to a four-year college. Priority will be given to students with financial need and good moral character.

Contributions to the fund can be sent to the Edward J. Sheehan Memorial Scholarship, c/o Jean Poth, vice president of Institutional Advancement, NECC, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, MA 01830.

For additional information on donating to this scholarship, or creating one of your own, Poth can be contacted at 978-556-3624 or by e-mail at jpoth@necc.mass.edu.