Thomas T. Heckard
December 24, 1930 - June 20, 2016
York
Thomas T. Heckard, 85, passed away peacefully at SpiriTrust Lutheran The Village at Sprenkle Drive, Monday, June 20, 2016. He was the loving husband of Shirley L. (Lehman) Heckard with whom they celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in August, 2015.
Mr. Heckard was born in Lebanon on December 24, 1930, son of the late Ralph and Rose (Stoudt) Heckard.
Tom interrupted his college years at Millersville University to serve his country honorably in the US Navy during the Korean War. After his service he returned to finish his degree in 1956.
He went on to pursue his love of teaching within the West York Area School District for 34 years in 9th grade World Cultures. Tom served as a coach in several sports at West York, most notably as the Head Coach of the Varsity football team for 14 years, which included an unbeaten streak over 2 consecutive seasons in 1967 and 1968 for which he was named York County Coach of the Year. He retired from teaching in 1990. Over 30 summers he also ran the West Manchester Township Recreation Department's youth playground system.
In 1993, Tom underwent a successful heart transplant at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, after which he became an ardent proponent and ambassador for organ donation throughout Pennsylvania.
Memberships included St. Matthews Lutheran Church in York, the York Area Transplant Support Group, Shiloh Lions Club, Vikings Athletic Association, West York V.F.W. #8951, Shiloh American Legion Post 791. Honors included his induction into the Central Pennsylvania Sports Hall-of-Fame and Lebanon High School Athletic Hall-of-Fame. While at Millersville University he was selected to the 1st team of the Central Penn Football League in his freshman year and 2nd team in 1955 to the NAIA.
In addition to his wife, survivors include two sons, Thom Heckard and his wife, Susan of Virginia Beach, VA and Dave Heckard and his wife, Cynthia of North Wales, PA. In addition, Tom had seven grandchildren, Thom's children Katherine, Charlotte and Elizabeth and Dave's children Seamus, Maeve, Padraig and Finn. Tom also leaves a sister, Darlene Gingrich of Lebanon, PA.
A Memorial Service to be followed by a Reception will be held on Friday June 24 at 1:00 pm at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 839 West Market Street in York. Officiating will be his pastor, Reverend Kevin Shively.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 North 3rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 or the Dover Area Community Library, 3700 Davidsburg Road, Dover, PA 17315.
Arrangements were entrusted to the LeRoy R. Leber Funeral Home, Inc., 2290 School Street, York (Shiloh), PA. www.leroyleberfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lebanon Daily News on Jun. 22, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Heckard

Sponsored by LDNews.com.

62 Entries

Mary Alvey Bortner

February 22, 2024

Mr Heckard was my all-time favorite teacher. He made world cultures class come to life. Love and miss you, Mr. Hackert. Mary Albert Bortner Class of 75

Tim Pfister

June 16, 2023

As the years roll, we remember and continue to rely upon the rare great and gentle giants by whose presence, friendship and guidance our lives were blessed when we were together. For Mr. H, I will always be grateful. All best to Thom and Dave.

Tim Pfister

June 16, 2021

Years pass. Miles go by. But, my great regard, respect and warmest feelings for this great man somehow, do not. I think of Mr. H, Shirley, Thom and Dave (in younger incarnations of all, I suppose), routinely, even though I live overseas and we haven't been earthly neighbors in decades. Like it or not, he and they will always be a better part of me and my life.

wayne hoffman

June 16, 2019

One of Coach's familiar sayings to the running backs (me) was..."It's not a race to the sideline...plant that foot and get upfield!" It didn't take me long to learn it. I used that phrase often during my 23 years of coaching. I was blessed to share life's journey with Coach.

Tim Pfister

November 28, 2016

Very sad to learn of Mr. Heckard's passing. He was truly great in every way. Our family was privileged to be friends and close neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Heckard while growing up in York, PA. I wanted to reconnect with him for a fun matter today when I learned of our collective loss. I last saw him before I moved to Austria, when my mother passed away and he attended the funeral. I will miss him and extend my deepest sympathy to Mrs. Heckard and to their two sons.

Ilse T

October 30, 2016

Good morning

I got introduced to him through Google at Prophecy Club speeches a few days ago. I know it must have been an honour to know him but I am so happy that our Lord was so merciful to allow him to share prophetic visions and teach us. I experienced through listening that he was a gentle spirit but also a straight forward and no nonsense guy. Thank you Lord for lending your servant to us and that we still can experience him through Google. I always had questions unanswered which became clearer now and what a wonderful vision to know that he is with our Lord right now! Thomas went all the way and God used him miraculously till the day he died. I also want to be used like that with no regrets and llive life to the fullest eevery day! Help me Father that I won't disappoint You and that I will focus every day on becoming more and more like Jesus daily, and that I will grow spiritually strong so that You also can use me in ways above my understanding! I don't want to become famous, but I want to be a firm believer and obey Your every command! Prepare me Father for these last days I still have on earth. To You all the glory! Anen!

June 27, 2016

RIP Mr. Heckard. Glad that I got to know him later in life. Loved hearing him talk about things that happened when our class was in school. He was really a humorous guy. Like Don Hinkle already said, we would see him at McDonald's after our mall walks. We helped him move later. About a year ago, I called him to see how he and Shirley were doing and had a long conversation. He realized that I was washing dishes and graciously said that he didn't want to interfere. I told him that wasn't a problem, but at his suggestion we ended the conversation. About two weeks ago Gloria said we should call and see how he's doing. We had a classmate tell us that the Heckards didn't attend our class reunion because he wasn't feeling well. I didn't get around to calling and now regret that. He was a great teacher, great coach and a truly wonderful person. It was an honor to know him.

David Glatfelter

June 26, 2016

Tom Heckard was a very well respected man in West York. May he Rest in Peace he was one of the good ones.

Rick Fisher

June 26, 2016

Dear Shirley & family,
Tom was an awesome husdand, father,teacher, friend, well he was just down right AWESOME. He will be missed by all & never forgotten. God bless you all, and our prayera go out to you all.

Al Glennon

June 26, 2016

Shirley & family,
Tom was a first-round draft pick as a teacher and person. Barbara and I will remember him as a role model for the many students that he influenced throughout his career in education.
Al Glennon

June 25, 2016

We were so very sorry to hear of your loss.
May God be with you. We have good memories of being with Tom and Shirley at the JCC water classes.
Eric and Jackie Sandblade

Bill Stafford

June 24, 2016

Mr. Heckard was a true gentleman and a great Bulldog!!! He is remembered in our hearts as a wonderful teacher. Our prayers for his family. Melissa (Brenneman) Stafford and Bill Stafford

Beth Reinhold

June 24, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the family. I had Mr. Heckard for World Cultures. Wasn't too fond of the class but loved the teacher! Prayers and thoughts being sent to you.

Diane Dopkin

June 24, 2016

I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Heckard's passing. I remember him fondly as my neighbor, teacher, and even first boss when I worked at the summer playground. To this day, whenever I hear reference to a Chinese dynasty, I think of Mr. Heckard and World Cultures. Much of that class has stuck with me over the years! I also remember stopping to chat when I walked my dog in the neighborhood--I'd get the latest update on Thom and Dave and their kids. Great memories!
All my best to his family and friends,

Bree Dallmeyer

June 24, 2016

He was one of the great ones.

Dave & Deb (Deitz) Althoff, Class of '69

June 24, 2016

Our sympathy to the family and friends of Mr. Heckard. I remember Mrs. Heckard in grade school and we both remember Mr. Heckard in high school. Mr. Heckard was a force to be reckoned with - a gentle giant. They both were fabulous teachers and dedicated their lives to teaching children. We have lost some of our history in this great man. RIP

June 24, 2016

To Mrs Heckard and family

My sincere sympathy to all of you. I was in Mr Heckard's class.Graduated 1964. I will always remember him as my favorite teacher. I had the upmost respect for him and always will. May he rest in peace.

Sincerely
Elizabeth (Hildebrandt)Fifer

Carolyn Anderson-Grecco

June 24, 2016

Mr. Heckard was a favorite to our class of 1961. He made me want to learn all about the world, become a writer, travel, meet people and tell their stories. I didn't finish journalism classes at MU, due to
being hit with Cupid's arrow. I switched to education so I could finish with a degree, so Gary and I could graduate together. Mr. Heckard influenced who I had become, I traveled and kept students from Australia, Chile, France, Turkey, and Australia. Nisse, our
Finnish student, stayed up the block from me with the Kelly family and my cousin Barry.
Nr, Heckard came to many of our class reunions and was
so gracious to us. He remembered us. Eight years out from retiring as a teacher, I take pride in knowing my students, their lives and all because he was such a role model. God was there to great him, with a little bulldog in our blue and white colors. I know that made him smile, as only he could do. God bless you and your family. You made a difference to so many lives. Well done.
Carolyn Anderson-Grecco

Ann Alfonso

June 24, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Heckard's family. I have such fond memories of his World Cultures class. I remember him being this brawny man with a gentle spirit who always had an encouraging word for his students. The world has lost, and heaven gained, a beautiful soul who lived an impactful life.

Matt Stough

June 23, 2016

Many fond memories of a man who really cared for the kids he guided and mentored. Along with me best friend, I second his comments on summer playground no at Wallace Elementary...rest in peace dear neightbor

Judy Jacobs Stiver Tomko, class of '75

June 23, 2016

Condolences to the family, and may wonderful memories replace the sorrow in the days to come.

Carolyn Adkins Pike

June 23, 2016

Mr. Heckard was my favorite teacher. He made me want to see the world, something I still am doing. He was a great educator. Please accept my condolences. I was in the WYHS Class of 1963.

Wendy Cutright

June 23, 2016

I had Mrs. Heckard for 1st grade, Mr. Heckard in the 9th grade and loved you both! I am also a member of St. Matt and always enjoyed seeing you attend there. I give thanks to God for the wonderful teacher and human being you were and for the many other lives you have touched.

Wendy (Abel) Cutright

Becky Graham

June 23, 2016

Great teacher and coach. Rest in Peace Mr. Heckard. Becky Wolfe Graham 1974

Wayne Hoffman

June 23, 2016

My prayers and thoughts are with each of you. Outside of my family I can identify a handful of positive, meaningful role models in my life... and Coach is at the top of the list. I thank the good Lord for being able to share life's journey with him. Goodbyes may be the law of earth, but reunions are the law of heaven so I won't say goodbye, but rather see you later Coach. Thank you, God Bless and Peace.

Don Hinkle

June 23, 2016

Me and my walking buddies would see Mr Heckard at McDonalds at Walmart in the West Manchester Mall. He would be with a group of buddies for about an hour most mornings. We would stop and see him after our walk. That was the highlight of my day. He always asked if I heard anything about my kidney transplant I was waiting for. Once I received the transplant and do to back problems which caused me to miss the walks, He would always ask about me to the other guys. When he was moving to sprenkle drive, he was concerned about all the small items, boxes , chairs ect being moved. He called Bob Rodkey Who is a classmate of mine and walked withe me and 3 other classmates about helping. Bob, me and other classmates of 65 jumped at the chance to be of help to this great man. It was like giving back in a small way. Thank you Mr Heckard for being here during my lifetime. It was such an honar to know you. Rest In Peace Sir.

Matt Paules

June 23, 2016

Rest In Peace Mr. Heckard. I remember him as a kind man, neighbor and "coach" of lots of kickball and other games as a kid at summer "playground" at Wallace Elementary. Many of the Shiloh kids have fond memories or their summer days because of him!

Kevin Butler

June 23, 2016

Truly one.of the best teachers I ever had. Rest in peace good sir

Katrina

June 23, 2016

Wonderful teacher at West York! So kind and helpful! Prayers to the family!

Mackenzie (Altland) Imperant

June 23, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great teacher that I have fond memories of.

Vonita Cook

June 22, 2016

What a teacher! Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Shelby

June 22, 2016

I have often thought about Mr. Heckard over the years. He was my teacher and a compassionate human being. I was really going through tough times at home, and he knew that, and one day he brought me in a medication for my finger that was severely infected and it cleared up. I have never forgot that and never will. He would be happy to know I have returned that favor to others by becoming a nurse and continuing on the generosity and sincerity that he showed me. He was a very, very, special man. Thank you Mr. Heckard. God bless you.

Linda Morningstar Heckert and Butch Smith

June 22, 2016

So very sorry to learn of Mr. Heckard's passing. He was such a remarkable man, teacher, coach and role model. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and admired him. He was one of the best! Condolences to his family.

Lori Murray

June 22, 2016

As my World Cultures teacher, I remember the way he gave needed correction without being punitive. One of my favorite teachers!

Tom Schoen

June 22, 2016

Only meet him a few times. But he was talked about a lot. my mother was a cousin of Tom. We lived on Huffman street. And his name came up often. Him and Mish. Mr inside and Mr outside in THE football. Sorry to hear of you loss. He will be missed by many. He was a hero.

Amy

June 22, 2016

Mr. Heckard was my favorite teacher in 9th grade at West York. He taught me to love world cultures and global issues. He impacted my future. I went on to study Geography in college and have traveled to over 50 countries to visit the places I had studied in his class all those years ago. He was a wonderful teacher. My deepest condolences to his family.

Jim Copenhaver

June 22, 2016

I remember Mr. Thomas Heckard from school as being a good teacher, a good man, and someone who could appreciate a good joke. He was easy to talk with and easy to respect. I'm sure that all, who ever spent time in his presence, will miss him very much. My condolences to his family and close friends.

Dale/Marsha Stough

June 22, 2016

A good man, good teacher, a good coach, RIP Mr. Heckard

June 22, 2016

There was a man.a real one.

Allen Polson

June 22, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Allen Polson
Class of 73

Joyce & Joe Lobianco

June 22, 2016

What a wonderful man, neighbor, teacher, coach, friend. So many memories.

Suzy Blanchard

June 22, 2016

I loved mr.heckard as well I loved you....I don't if you remembered me but when I needed love you both gave it to me.....i wanted you to know that ...I am very sorry for loss...love Suzy wisner Blanchard

Thomas Heckard

June 22, 2016

With fond memories of Mr. Thomas T. Heckard. He will never be forgotten. Our prayers are with you.
David and Melinda (Leber) Kreiser (Class of 1975)

Steve and Cherlane Cotton

June 22, 2016

Mr. Heckard was a teacher, coach, and mentor to many. He was a good friend and a truly gentle man to even more. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.

Victoria Buchanan

June 22, 2016

Thom and family,
Extending my deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. May the comfort of each other and the Lord help you all during this difficult time!

Mr. Heckard wasn't just an amazing teacher, he was kind man and always had a great sense of humor. It amazed me when we would run into each other now and again and he always remembered my name.
We all lost a wonderful friend, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and husband but heaven gained a wonderful angel! RIP Mr. Heckard now you can fly with the best of them! ♡

Karen Hess

June 22, 2016

Mr. Heckard you were a wonderful teacher as well as a great role model.

Jeannie Oberdick

June 22, 2016

He was an awesome teacher. My heart goes out to all.

Darlene Myers

June 22, 2016

Coach you will be missed

Diane Miller-Shillott

June 22, 2016

My sincere condolences to Tom's family. He was a wonderful person and was my favorite teacher. He was also a wonderful neighbor and friend to me. I will never forget the help he gave to my husband in locating his birth mother. Because of Tom we had over 20 wonderful years with a beautiful woman and Dorothy always wanted to thank Tom but she passed two years ago and never got the chance. Thank you, Tom, for all you tried to teach me and for all your help.

Phil Miller

June 22, 2016

Mr. Heckard was my first football coach. He set a sterling example for impressionable teenagers. We need more like him.

Nancy Phillips

June 22, 2016

So very sorry for your loss. Mr. Heckard was a wonderful, kind man. I fondly remember him at West York Senior High School. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Brenda Smith - Bupp

June 22, 2016

To the Heckard family, I was deeply sadden to hear of his passing , he was a great teacher and loved doing it , he will be sadly missed by all his student's

David & Melinda (Leber) Kreiser

June 22, 2016

With fond memories of Mr. Heckard. Class of 1975

Scott Brenneman

June 22, 2016

Sorry to learn of Coach Heckard's passing. I appreciated him as my Coach.

JoAnne Grumbine Boyd

June 22, 2016

Mr. Heckard was a wonderful teacher with a great sense of "fairplay". He would "stand up" for his students and his players. He was one of the reasons I became an educator.

Connie and John Sprenkle

June 22, 2016

Where to begin? Friend, teacher, coach, neighbor, mentor, advisor; that is only a few of the many hats worn by Mr. Heckard in our lives. He was a very wonderful man who will never be forgotten. He was loved by all. We will miss him terribly.

Connie and John Sprenkle
Ocean View, DE

Andrea Mingora-Markham

June 22, 2016

My sincere condolences to the Heckard Family. When my mind wonders back to my time at WYHS... I always have fond memories of him in 9th Grade World Cultures!!! Along with his enthusiasm of being a West York Bulldog!!!

Renee Stambaugh

June 22, 2016

Mr Heckard was one of my favorite teachers, he truly loved teaching and kids and it showed. He was also a wonderful coach and human being.

Ron & Val Greenplate

June 22, 2016

So sorry, a better man you'll find nowhere.

June 22, 2016

What an amazing human being! He will be fondly remembered by all Bulldogs and missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him. "The Warner girls"

James Isenberg

June 22, 2016

I have many fond memories of Mr. Heckard as a teacher, coach, and role model. My condolences to his family.

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