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John Heffernan Obituary
Mary Heffernan's spirit just left her on the day of the attacks. One of her sons, John Heffernan, 37, a firefighter on the Lower East Side, was missing at the World Trade Center. Five years earlier, her son Patrick had died in a construction accident.
Another son, Michael Heffernan, 36, also a firefighter, looked for his big brother. He searched for weeks. Their sister, Deirdre Heffernan, 32, stayed with their 73-year-old mother. A fourth brother, Brian, 34, is a New York City police officer.
John Heffernan was a man with many sides. One moment, he was in a firefighter's uniform, rushing into burning buildings to save lives at the risk of his own. In the next, he was on stage in a black T-shirt and jeans, playing rhythm guitar in a punk rock band, the Bullys, that he helped found. In another, he was a devoted husband to his wife, Lori, and a devoted father to his 9-year-old daughter, Samantha.
A crew sifting through the wreckage at ground zero discovered John Heffernan's body on Oct. 2, his wife's 31st birthday, Deirdre Heffernan said.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Elizabeth
January 14, 2025
My heart sank when I learned of John's passing on that horrible September day. I am wondering if he/you could be my cousins as my grandfather and his brother lived in NYC in the 1930s-40s. The family's roots are in Peterborough, Ontario Canada. I hope you have found ways to keep your memories alive while inching into each day.
With condolences,
Elizabeth Heffernan
Rochester NY
Sheril Holt
September 11, 2021
I didn't know you John but I did know Lori and Samantha and each year I think about that devastating day 20 years ago. You and everyone are true hero's. Never to be forgotten for you all did! God Bless!
James E. Heffernan
September 11, 2020
My wife JoAnne and I visited Ireland in 2004. Our visit was in Honor of our fallen FF on that Black September day. We started with a visit to Kinsdale’s restaurant the “White House”. This restaurant has a beautiful and Honorable display of our fallen Fire Fighters and some of the items from the Twin Towers. This led us to a plot of land, just outside of Kinsdale where you will find trees planted in memorie of the fallen and each tree has a picture and letters hanging from the branches. This was a very humbling and honored visit to my family’s home country. God bless the sisters who dedicated and put this shine together.
My God continue to hold all those who sacrifice their lives for others.
James E. Heffernan
Robin Sneddon
September 11, 2019
Today I rembered you.
I have never met you, but I carried your name with pride today.
I carried your name with me as part of the commemoration of the fateful day that claimed your life.
I am a firefighter in New Zealand and did a double assent of the Auckland Skytower in your name.
Rest easy
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Kaya Chaos
September 11, 2017
Today is the 16th anniversary of the day that we lost you. I will NEVER FORGET our phone conversations when we were trying to book shows together...I will NEVER FORGET the smile on your face while you performed....I will NEVER FORGET that thick accent in your voice........I will NEVER FORGET the phone call telling me that you were missing....I will NEVER FORGET that awful call when you were found. I will never, ever forget the human being that you were as you walked this earth. I will give no glory to the murdering cowards that took you from all of us. I will not say their names, or acknowledge their organization. Today and every day, I remember you Johnny Bully. This days tears a hole through me....every year...
Sharon Heffernan Dale
September 11, 2013
As a teacher in Southern California, the world stood still on 9-11. The next several days after this tragedy, the fear lessened in my students and their families. Our days were spent trying to understand the act and the hatred that it expressed.
After school on my drive home, I would sob buckets of tears for the people that were in the towers and the responders. I obsessed on how 3000 people woke up on 9-11 and had no inkling that their lives would end that day.
Several years later, while at a U2 concert, the band projected on the concert venue wall the full list of the folks that died that day. It was then, that I saw John Heffernan's name projected along with the all of the other people. I was struck with sadness.
My father, was also named John Heffernan, and he was an amazing person, but your John sounds like he was a fun guy and awesome person.
My thoughts are with your family, and I am sure John is in heaven playing in one of heck of a jam session!
Marylou
September 11, 2013
Johnny we all miss you so much. I had no idea this page existed or I would have done this much sooner. I pray for you and your family and I know you hear them. I always think and smile about the many fun times we had. May god bless you and keep you close to him in heaven .
Ginger Thompson
September 9, 2012
Last year my daughter went on a mission trip to New York. She purchased a bracelet for me from the gift shop at what will be the WTC Memorial. John's name is on that bracelet. Though I never knew John I feel close to him each time I wear it. Now I can put a face with his name. He is an angel and a hero. May God bless his family.
Jaime M.
September 11, 2011
I can't believe it's been 10 yrs Johnny! Punk Rock hasn't been the same! My heart and thoughts are with your family <3
Joshua Gross
September 9, 2011
I was proud to be picked as a blogger to participate in a project honoring all of the heroes of 9/11. When they gave me John's name, I went from proud to humbled. Thank you for your life, for your sacrifice, for your dedication to your family, for your music, and most of all, for your heroism on a dark day. We still remember. Grace and Peace to your family, and may God bless.
John Heffernan
January 12, 2011
Not long after this terrible day i saw a list of names who perrished and i had a strong feeling that the Heffernan name may had been on there, when i looked, the first name i saw was John Heffernan which is the same name as mine and i was astounded,i still have the clipping and i have read about John and what an amazing man he was. I have told a couple of people this story but some would think its a bit strange, i have always felt a strong connection towards him for this reason, i am so sorry for your loss he truly was an incredible man. R.I.P John x
Bonnie Heffernan
March 2, 2010
James Heffernan Family Kalamazoo Mi Jims Uncle John Heffernan Jim s Wife Bonnie We Have two girls Margaret And Kathy It was nice to find this sight God Bless You All
brenda brenner
September 12, 2009
I knew of Johnny thru Victor Luke and Loho Studios.The Bullys had recorded there.
On the days following the attacks I went down to the site, There were thousands and thousands and thousands of photos, memorials, signs, missing photos and messages. It was everywhere. In the midst of all that I found Johnny's Firefighter ID card mixed in with so many others.It was left there by someone who loved him.
I place a ceramic angle on his card so it wouldn't blow away. I later returned again and he was still there. The ceramic angel was holding a basket. I had been making a ruby bracelet so I put some of those beautiful ruby beads in the angels basket
Jaime Mc.
September 11, 2009
Its been 8 years! I cant believe it has been that long. Yet still, you will NEVER be forgotten! With all the love in our hearts we remember you and keep your friends and family in our thoughts as well.
Joe Molfetto
January 22, 2009
I just found out from a good friend that John was lost on 9-11. We were looking at old pictures from when we carried mail at the Howard Beach post office. We had great times and he will always be remembered. Joe TaTa
James Heffernan
July 21, 2008
We noticed the guest book and wanted to send our sympothy James Heffernan Family
Eileen Coffey
February 29, 2008
To the Heffernan Family
God Bless John and his brother Patrick two lovely guys they are missed my sympathies to you all
Love Eileen Lonergan
Jill Karlik
September 12, 2007
We will never forget you John.
m nolan
September 11, 2007
God bless your family today. We're always thinking of all of our Rockaway Heroes!
Thank you.
Thomas Heffernan
April 1, 2007
To the family of John Heffernan,
My name is Thomas Heffernan and I have a brother named Jon as well as a brother named Pat. My father's name was Mike. I am sure that you are very proud of John and his efforts to make a difference and to do the right thing. It seems like in today's world, a lot of people are only concerned with number one. It is inspirational to see that there are still "hero's" out there. As this is 5 years down the road, I truly hope that your family is still able to keep the spirit of John coursing through your veins. God Bless you all. Tom Heffernan
Warren, MN.
P Tabbernor
November 2, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
October 27, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Patsy Jo Reed Sircy
October 27, 2006
Very sorry about your loss! Sincere sympathy, Pat - R.N. in TN
Krissy Banks
September 11, 2006
You're always in my thoughts and prayers especially today. Rest in Peace John!
Dermot Heffernan
September 11, 2006
I was in New York a couple of years ago and spotted, in a list of those that died on 9/11, that a fellow Heffernan was among them. Today, five years later I discovered this page as I looked to see who this man was.
John, my thoughts are with all of your family today as they mourn your death.
Barbara jean HEFFERNAN
August 24, 2006
HEFFERNAN FAMILY ,
Wow it's 5 years , and still feel like yesterday , John will alway be in all our HEARTS.
Patrick Long
March 3, 2006
Dear Uncle Heff,
Guess What Im In Saint Anthony's!!!! I Know Thats you are very proud
We Might Move but I Hope You Stay With me
I MISS YOU SO MUCH
GOD BLESS YOU
Love
Pat
Mary Elizabeth Martin (Doherty)
February 14, 2006
To The Heffernan Family, 2/14/06
My deepest sympathy to your family. I found this site by accident. I knew John and Pat when I was a teenager spending my summers in Rockaway. My cousin lived around the block from them on 113st. Her name was AnnMarie Schultz she attended St. Camilus. I remember we were all playing around on their block and John was throwing minows at us. Little did I know one got stuck in my hair. Later on I was running my fingers through my hair and felt the fish stuck in it. I was so grossed out, and I recall John calling me Fishead. Later on in my twenties, I ran into him working for the post office in the neighborhood I had grown up in, Bellerose. I ran into him while he was delivering the mail. What a small world. I moved to North Carolina, a month before the September 11 attack. Aproximately a month later my neighbor had a newspaper and on the front page was a picture of John Hefferen and I read the caption. I couldn't believe that was him. I told my neighbor, I knew him as a kid and made mention about the fish story. I couldn't believe it I was 700 miles away from my former home to see a picture of someone I knew in my past. I was sad to know that he had past away, however I felt blessed to have know him and to see that he had led a couragous life to help others. After reading the story I was totally unaware that Pat had passed away as well this must have been devistating for your family. May God Bless you all. I am sure that they are watching over you. I wish you all the best in the years to come. Mary Elizabeth Doherty Martin.
James Johnson
September 11, 2005
God Bless You...
m nolan
September 9, 2005
You're always in our thoughts, especially this weekend. God Bless.
Patrick Long
April 30, 2005
John Heff was my Uncle..
Today April 30th 2005 A street in rockaway was dedicated to you uncle heff
I Love You Uncle Heff
I Miss You
xoxoxoxoxo
&l
t;br>
gt;
You are my hero
Raku DePalma
March 25, 2005
It's 2005. Just wanted make my mark, and say I'm one of many still thinkin' about ya bro. NYC ain't been the same without ya. That's for sure. You always will be missed.
Laura Ferrara
August 13, 2004
John & I share a good friend in punk rock writer & musician Tim Stegall. I heard nothing but great things about John & the Bullys. His loss brought the tragedy home to me as a music fan. Much sympathy to his family & friends.
Joy Heffernan
October 15, 2002
Heffernan Family,
We too have many firefighters in our family in the suburbs of Boston. We offer our heartfelt condolences and deepest thanks for Johns unselfish bravery and heroism.
Dan, Ann, Daniel Jr., Barry, Kerry, Joy, Lee, Glenn and Faith Heffernan
Steve Saucier
October 12, 2002
I am an Active Duty Chief in the Navy. As I instruct our Sailors in fighting our ships properly, I remind them to never forget the Bravery of men like John. We will somehow, someway measure a small amount of Justice for him with our actions. There is no way at all to stop the family's hurt, but please rest assured John's actions have put him in the light of Angels.
John Heffernan
October 6, 2002
I can only echo the sentiments of those who have written before me. My deepest sympathies to John's family. We will always remember John's heroism and bravery in saving others. Thank you from a proud Heffernan.
Bill Donnegan
October 5, 2002
I was a school mate of John's brother, Mike at St. Camillus in Rockaway Beach, NY. The brother's had a spirit and a bond that could never be broken. God forbid you messed with one of them, you'd have to take them all on. I pray for the family for the strength to not lose that togetherness that I remember from so long ago. God Bless!
F. Patrick Heffernan
September 20, 2002
My prayers to all of the victims of 911, but special ones for John Heffernan from a member of his family heritage. And may his family survivors also be blessed with understanding and relief.
Pat Heffernan age 73
BEN MINTURN
September 15, 2002
AS A FIRE FIGHTER, I FEEL THE LOSS OF A BROTHER. AS A MUSIC FAN, I FEEL THE LOSS OF A DYNAMIC MUSICIAN. GOD BLESS YOU JOHN,YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU.
colleen lonergan
September 13, 2002
my husband has grown up with your family, cathy, david, mary, eileen, michael and patrick, they all grew up with the heffernan family, back in the days. i do not know you unforunately but i may have gone to school with brian/. i am very sad for you and your family. i wish there was better words i can say to make things better for you
colleen and michael lonergan
September 13, 2002
there are no words in any book that we can say to ease your pain. you are new yorks finest, God bless you and your family. we are thinking of you
Jon Heffernan
September 13, 2002
To the Heffernan family:
My deepest sympathies to you and all who John had contact with. I just learned of John on 9-11-02. Because we share the same name I feel a bigger void in my gut. This tradgedy has become even more personal to me, even though I never met John. I will think of him every day and pray for your family as well. My fathers name was Mike, and I also have a brother named Pat. John truly was a hero and I will make sure to represent the Heffernan name with respect and pride. God bless all. Feel free to drop me a line.
Melissa
September 13, 2002
i'm writing this to the Heffernan family b/c at our school we can buy wrist bands to help support the 9-11 funds and i happen to choose John Heffernan. I decided to look him up and i wanted to let the family know i'm praying for you* God bless!
Elizabeth
September 12, 2002
Lori & Samantha, This year I've been praying for you and all the familys of Ladder 11. Praying that you are comforted by the faithfulness of our Lord and blessed with His peace. And praying for all the "firsts" without your husband and Dad. God bless you. I will continue to pray for you.
Debbie Touchette
September 12, 2002
At my college, Idaho State University, we commemorated the day by wearing the name of one victim, and I got Mr. Heffernan. I want his family to know that I will pray for him, his wife and daughter, brothers, sister, mother, and everyone affected by his life and death. Thank you and God Bless You!
Heidi Heffernan
September 11, 2002
John, I'm sad that I didn't know you, though it's a good feeling to know that our family includes such patriots as yourself. Thank you for your heroic acts towards this nation. God Bless.
The punk rock scene
September 11, 2002
Thank you Johnny for bringing life into the scene. We will keep you and the music you played alive forever! We miss you! God bless you and your family!
Jaime
September 11, 2002
Although i didn't know Johnny very well i had been to a number of the Bully's shows with a friends band. I can say that a show won't ever be the same without him. God bless you Johnny and your family too!!
patrick holder
September 10, 2002
John,
I live right up the street from the firehouse. We werent friends, but I know the "Lowrider" song on the truck PA, and u guys piling out of the truck at the grocery store. I didnt know what I could do since I was only from the neighborhood. So I've prayed for you and your family, the firehouse, and everyone every day. I have done that many, many, many times. No BS. I know you know. patrick, east village
Theresa Brooks
September 10, 2002
Dear Johnny, as tomorrow september 11 approaches we all grieve the lost of your loved soul. We miss you dearly and you will always be greatly rembered. We love you so much and our heqrts will always be with you. You have done something for us that noone will everforget and we apprciate everything you have tried to do for us. We ove you andmiss you love always
the BROOKS FAMILY
Stephanie Crespo
August 9, 2002
Johnny was a good friend of my uncles they worked together in the Howard Beach Post Office. He was a great Person and had a great personality. My uncle was a true and dear friend of his by the Name of Mark Brooks. If any if his family wishes to contact us please do so [email protected]
He will be greatly missed and always cherished in our hearts. GOD BLESS!!
Jim Heffernan
June 16, 2002
God bless you John...from a proud member of the family tree.
Michael Iezzi
June 5, 2002
Father we entrust our brother John to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Angie Campbell
April 30, 2002
**********GOD BLESS YOU**********
Melinda
April 19, 2002
I met Johnny once, in August of 2000 when his band played with my friend's band at the Continental. I only knew him as a Bully. I won't forget how cool I thought they were on stage, the coolest band in New York since The Ramones. I didn't know he was a father or a firefighter or a husband. I just met him thru friends once. But he's the only person I had any connection to with this tragedy. And when I went down to the site where it happened last month, I thought about him, one hero among many. It should comfort some that he saved many lives before losing his own. There are probably people out there who don't even know his name, but are forever grateful to the NYFD for their chance at life.
Margaret Doonan
March 18, 2002
My son is aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan and one of his officers is a
Heffernan. His favorite High School teacher was also Heffernan-The Kids called him Heffo.
Veronica Hoever
March 13, 2002
Though we didnt talk that much we all miss you. you were an awesome person! My love is with your family and friends.
A friend/fan
March 13, 2002
You will always be remembered as a brave hero and a talented musician. RIP Johnny.
Eileen
March 11, 2002
We met maybe once or twice, a long time ago, but you were a friend of a friend and your heroism has touch my life profoundly. Not a day goes by that I don't remember you and Lt Brian Hickey...another firefighter to whom I had a connection, who selfishly gave his life with you in a valient effort to save others. This morning I hit my knees and prayed for your souls eternal peace and for the comfort of God's love on your family. Thank you John for the sacrifice you made 6 months ago today...I will never forget and I will do all I can to give unselfishly to others in a small attempt to honor your bravery and courage. May God grant your soul eternal rest in heaven. Thank you John.
A friend
February 25, 2002
Rest in peace, John! You will never be forgotten! Your memory will live on through your family!
February 2, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL YOUNG HERO FIREMAN..JOHN
HEFFERNAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS.GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN..AMEN
Rafi Rimer
December 31, 2001
I was a friend of John's through his band The Bullys. He was a great guy and will be missed. Take care buddy.
Teresa Jahn
December 29, 2001
We thank John for devoting his life to others as a firefighter. Such devotion comes with a brave, warm and caring heart full of love for his fellow man. May John's courage, life and love live on in those who love him. We are deeply sorry for you loss of John. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Judy Cherbonneau
December 1, 2001
I know you must be in heaven with Edward, Mike C., Mike Q., Rick, and all your fellow firefighters who sadly perished on September eleven.
Heaven is where you all deserve to be. I am sorry for your loss...for the ones you left behind. The sadness will never end, I think. I wonder if it should? America is truly the home of the brave...you proved that on September eleven.
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