John Henry Heffernan

John H. Heffernan, the son of the late James Howard and Anne Dougherty Heffernan was born and raised in New Brunswick, NJ. He was the youngest of three children, James H. Heffernan Jr., and the late Anne Marie Fleming.

He was a man of strong convictions. Convictions on family, life, politics, and bourbon. The first time he saw his wife, Eugenia, he told his close friend she was the woman he would marry. And he did. John departed this world on June 17, 2021 with his wife of over 60 years by his side. A man larger than life, John collected stories and anecdotes that were often told around the kitchen table, eliciting laughter, groans, and sparking conversations that lasted well beyond the meal being served. He spent most of his years living and working in New Jersey, working for Public Service Electric Company, and later for OPEIU Local 153 advocating for worker’s rights. He raised his family in North Brunswick and retired to the Jersey shore to spoil his grandchildren and travel the world with his best friend and lifelong partner, Geni. After years of golf, travel, and salt air, they moved to Virginia for a change of pace and found peace in the routines of southern living. John loved many things in this world: negotiating contracts, a good argument, any kind of pasta, reading, fishing, and the company of a good dog; but more than anything he loved sharing his days with the love of his life. He was the proud father of their two children, Susan Heffernan Stoyanof and John H. Heffernan Jr. (Laura). He loved his six grandchildren dearly. His memory lives on within each member of his family and will do so for many years to come. His first great-grandchild is expected to be born this July and the next generation of the Heffernan family will hear stories of Pop- a man with a big voice, a ready sense of humor, big hugs, and an undeniable love for his family. He will be sorely missed.

A funeral mass will take place at 10:30 am Monday, June 21, at St. Anthony of Padua Mission Catholic Church, led by Father Francis de Rosa.