Dr. John C. Heaps

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...