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John Heard Obituary
On Wednesday, March 29, 2006, JOHN HEARD of Chevy Chase, MD. Born September 8, 1911 in Ipswich, MA. Son of John and Grace Clifford Heard and a direct descendant of the first Heard family settled in the area circa 1640. Renowned as local Philanthropists, statesman and entrepreneurs, most notably during the era of the China Sea Trade.
A graduate of Deerfield Academy and Harvard College, where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1933. He traveled to Washington, DC, where he worked in the Quartermaster Corps of the Army and eventually worked in the office of the Secretary of Defense in charge of installations and properties for 33 years.
However, his first love was the saxophone which he picked up at the age of 14 and never put down. He played with local area musicians for clubs and parties for over 65 years.
He is survived by his wife Helen Sperling Heard; and three children, John, Cordis and Lise; a fourth child, Matthew was killed in an automobile accident in 1975. He is grandfather to Jessica, Krivan, Shelby and Jack Heard; Benjamin, Medeiros, Max and Annika Rose; great-grandfather of Joshua and Matthew Krivan.
A memorial service will be held at The Shrine Of The Most Blessed Sacrament, 6001 Western Ave. and Quesada Sts N.W., Washington, DC, on Monday, April 3, 2006 at 11 a.m. Interment Ipswich, MA, at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Heard
1 Entry
Jessica Krivan
April 5, 2006
For those who find this page, I want to share a memory of my grandfather. We were visiting him just before he turned 90 years old, when my eldest son was less than 2 years old. As we sat together, my grandfather and Joshua seemed to marvel at each other, exchanging very few words, content in each other's company. Then, out of the sheer sense of joy my grandfather seemed to possess, he threw back his head and let out one of his great big laughs. In the short lull that followed, my son, not yet talking and usually a serious sort, threw back his head and laughed, in perfect imitation. They understood each other. I hold dear that one moment. My grandfather lived long and enjoyed so many good laughs with his family and friends. We will miss him.
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