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John Heaps Obituary
HEAPS, Dr. John C. (Doc)
Age 76, of Mansfield, PA, died Friday, May 11, 2007, at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, PA. John was born on November 6, 1930 in Renovo, PA, a son of LeRoy and Elizabeth (Ammeter) Heaps. He was married to Claire (Stout) Heaps for 54 years. John was a Professor of Education at Mansfield University. He graduated from Lock Haven State College in 1952 with a B.S. in Elementary Education, Penn State University in 1958 with a M.Ed. in Elementary Education, and in 1967 with a D.Ed. in Elementary Education. John was employed from 1973-1974 as a 3rd grade teacher in Lincoln, England; 1956-1959 at Noyes Township Elementary School as a classroom teacher; 1959-1964 at Mansfield State College as Campus School Supervisor; 1964-1993 at Mansfield University as Professor of Education; 1994-2004 at Elmira College as a Supervisor of Student Teaching. While at Mansfield University he helped develop a Gifted and Talented Camp for regional children. John was a US Army veteran, having served in Korea. He was a member of North Bend Methodist Church and enjoyed playing tennis, trivial pursuit, skiing, crossword puzzles, attended all the team sporting events at the high school, and assisted coaching tennis. John was an avid writer, a world traveler, and had written a book called Headwaters Country- The Story of Tioga County. John is survived by his wife, Claire (Stout) Heaps; a son and daughter-in-law, Curt and Debra Heaps of Mansfield, PA; a daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Edward Lenhardt of Elmira, NY; four grandchildren, Lance, Jessica, Alyssa and Sarah; three step grandchildren, Jason, Jordayn and Kyle. John was preceded in death by a son, Stan Heaps in 1997; seven brothers and sisters, Beatrice Heaps, Isabelle Gilroy, Dorothy Miller, Frederick Heaps, LeRoy Heaps, William Heaps, and Ronald Heaps. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Mansfield, PA, with the Rev. Richard Berg officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Mansfield, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Doc Heaps Memorial Fund, c/o First Citizens National Bank, 15 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA 16933. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com
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Memories and Condolences
for John Heaps
Joey simone
June 28, 2021
Me and my brothers Anthony and Vinny and a little brother tommy who is too young and my mother and father would drive every summer from queens ny to the Grand Canyon baseball camp until we were too old and they wouldn´t let us come anymore.Doc and his wife Claire and Stan would treat us like we were family most people went for two weeks we went for two months.The whole staff was some of the finest people I´ve ever met my life they made my childhood memories fantastic.Doc would have talent contests ping pong and bumper pool tournaments once a week we would have a film of the World Series or all stars all the great players from the 60s and 70s and he would always say that one was gonna show up but they never did.and he always had a funny excuse.when We all got older and had kids we always said we wanted to take them up there but they closed down ..god bless doc and Stan RIP.Gargantua chest the anthill mob vida Vinny
Don Millward
May 17, 2007
John, you were the finest teacher I ever had. It was my priviledge to have the benefit of your kindness and caring concern in both 4th and 6th grades, during which you taught me and many others that education can be fun. Many teachers and many years later, you remain the best of all. Thanks for all that you gave to us. Rest in peace, my friend.
Theresa Pratt
May 17, 2007
I was saddened to hear of John Heaps's passing. I worked with him at Elmira College where he supervised student teachers and immediately liked and respected him. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Denny Bell
May 14, 2007
Doctor Heaps was my fourth grade teacher at Retan Center Campus Elementary School 48 years ago. Our class loved him, as I remember him as a very patient and kind teacher to all. Years later I would have Dr. Heaps again in college and he was again a fantastic educator and even though I graduated from M.U. 30 years ago it never ceased to amaze me that of all the children and college students he taught he never forgot my name. He was always happy to see you and ask what was going on in my live. I shall never forget this fine man. My sincere sympathy goes out to his wonderful wife Claire and the rest of his family. A former student, Denny Bell
Erica Wilson
May 14, 2007
Wow...what can I say about Doc, he was an amazing tennis player. He was the man who used to tell me that Serena Williams would need to watch out. He gave me great encouragment when I was down in my game and always helped to pick me back up. Doc also gave me the experience of traveling over seas. He was right there to make sure I would be able to go on his trips, and he helped me to attend three of his over seas gifted trips. We have some great memories from those times and I will always remember Doc as the short little man who always had the energy for another round of tennis, no matter the day!! I will really miss him and he will always be in my heart!!
Carol Appleyard
May 14, 2007
I can't even begin to explain what an impact Doc had on my life. He was still a mentor to me long after I left Mansfield. To this day I think of Doc when I get frustrated with my kids at school or with the deluge of paperwork that sometimes we have to do as teachers. He helps me get back on track, because he always truly believed that 'education' was all about the kids, none of the other stuff mattered. I was always in awe of his energy when it came to children. I use him when I need a pick me up to get me back on track. I was lucky enough to have my own personal children get to know him as well. They loved him dearly and thought the world of him. There are some awesome people in education today because of Doc. We had a joke between us about me being his idol. Well, he truly is my idol and I only hope that I can live up to the expectations that he always had set for me. I feel so honored that I got to know John Heaps. I have no doubt that Heaven is even a little bit brighter than usual now because Doc is there!
Janice Minetola
May 14, 2007
I’ll begin with the story of my first encounter with John which was so typical of him. I started at Mansfield University as a non-traditional student in my early 30s. At that time I was really shy. I had seen John around the university. I knew he was a professor, but I had not had him in class yet.
Before Retan Center had been renovated, there were lockers that lined the hallway on the first floor, and since I had several classes in a day, I had a locker. I was at my locker one day getting out some books for my next class, when John walked up to me and asked in a very serious voice, “Are you dealing drugs out of that locker?” My heart skipped a beat and then fell into my stomach. For a fleeting moment I thought I was under suspicion as a drug pusher. He must have seen the look of horror on my face, because he chuckled and introduced himself. Little did I know that that first encounter would lead to an 18 year working relationship with John through the Gifted Camps and travel program at the Mansfield University and a friendship that would last almost 30 years!
I know I can speak for hundreds of us in saying that we became the teachers we are today because of John’s influence. He had this idea that learning should be fun, and that if teachers just got kids involved in learning, they would actually enjoy school. In his methods class, he taught us to make learning come alive for children.
His greatest influence on me, however, as a person and a teacher, was through the Gifted Camps, for it was at the camps that I observed John interacting with children. He was truly in his element when he was with kids. He spent the weeks at camp tirelessly talking, teasing, joking, and enjoying them. They in turn, absolutely adored him! He taught me that people are what is really important in life.
One week at camp as John and the counselors were sitting in the hallway as we always did waiting for our campers to go to sleep, we were joking around about what we would change about ourselves just for one day if we could. John said that he would want to be tall. Actually, it was tall, dark, and handsome, but I’ll just stick with the tall. John said that he wished he could be tall for just one day. Well, John, your day is here. This “short” man is walking tall in all of our hearts!
Mary Calistri-Geise
May 14, 2007
I graduated from Mansfield in 1986 with a degree in education. Dr. Heaps was not only a wonderful faculty member, but also a caring and sincere friend. Please know that others are thinking about you during this difficult time.
Douglas Berninger
May 14, 2007
I had the privilege of playing baseball for Dr.(Coach)Heaps from 1977-1981 at Mansfield University. Not only was Dr. Heaps a fantastic coach and motivator, which was clearly evident by his stellar won/loss record and many championships, but more importantly he was a terrific role model for all his former players and a tremendous human being. Our thoughts,prayers, and condolences go out to his family. He will be missed by all of us who learned so much from him whether it was in the classroom or on the baseball field.
Amy, Robert & Marie Heverly
May 14, 2007
We were shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Heaps passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chris Putnam
May 14, 2007
“Doc Heaps touch so many lives in so many ways and will always remain in our hearts.”
Erika Burkhalter
May 13, 2007
I had the pleasure of Student Teaching under Doc's supervision while studying Elementary Education at Elmira College in 2001. Doc and I became good friends during my Student Teaching Assignment and we continued to keep in touch after I graduated. Words cannot express how much Doc taught me - not only about the classroom, but about life as well. I will miss our letters and notes, back and forth, about all of the good things in life. Love you, Doc.
Emily Hall
May 13, 2007
I was Doc's adopted granddaughter and he called me Mophead because of a bad haircut I once had. I called him "Gramps". He did so many things for me and the memories I have of our adventures together will always be with me. He took me to practice driving when I had my permit, and we drove all over the place while listening to the "Chicago" soundtrack and singing along. One day we sat in the driveway of a house that was for sale finishing a crossword puzzle together, only to finish and realize 35 minutes had gone by. Our relationship was special because even though I was young, he never treated me like I was below him. That alone tells you what a special person he was. Doc, I'll surely miss you so much more than I can even say. Deepest sympathies to Claire and all those who will be missing him.
Susan Kaczynski
May 13, 2007
I can't begin to tell you how much support Doc has given my daughter, Tesia, during her academic and athletic career or how much that has meant to our family. It has been an honor to have him in our community and part of us. He will be sadly missed....
H. Lee Rankin
May 13, 2007
Doctor Heaps, "Mouse" was the role model to me and many other young people way back in his days at North Bend, PA. I was in elementary shool when he taught us the basics of baseball and football and many other aspects of life. He shaped a lot of young lives back then. It was because of him I chose to enter the education field. The Heaps' house in North Bend was like a second home for many of us. When he moved on to bigger and better things, we all missed him but were priviledged to have contact with him over the years. He always treated everyone as if they were his long lost friends. You felt comfortable around him. He left a big footprint. We will miss you.
Bruce Dart
May 13, 2007
Deepest sympathies in your loss. We will all share the loss of this truly great man.
Chris Troncone
May 13, 2007
I am at a loss for words upon hearing this news. Doc Heaps was a man of integrity and virtue. He was my role model as I became a teacher and found my niche in education. He believed in what I could do, and helped me believe in what he saw in me. I will always be grateful for this wonderful man and educator. Not only did he instill his legacy in me, but in countless other men and women in education. Thank you Dr. Heaps. You will truly be missed. To his family, please find comfort in knowing that this man has probably set up a classroom in Heaven and is most likely teaching the angels a history lesson by having them square dance.
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