David Parker McHeffey

David Parker McHeffey

AGE: 66 • Rumson

David Parker McHeffey, 66, of Rumson, passed away at his home on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. He was born in Montreal, Canada and lived in Ridgewood and Little Silver before moving to Rumson. He was a graduate of St. Peters Prep, Jersey City, and Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. He was also a member of the Seabright Beach Club and Sea Bright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club. David made a career as a market maker in securities, as well as a fixed income broker for several Wall Street firms.

David was predeceased by his son, Keith McHeffey; his parents, Murray and Mickey Kehoe McHeffey and his son-in-law, Michael Squillante. David is survived by his wife, Deborah M. Sawch; two daughters, Leigh Squillante of Allenhurst, and Amanda Kennedy (Gregg) of Rumson and their mother, Sherry McHeffey of Little Silver; six grandchildren, Mickey, Chrissy, Jenny, Jimmy, Wesley and Maren; three step-children, Alexandra, Kathryn and Michael Sawch of Rumson; his nine siblings, Laurie (Lynn) of Denver, Barbara Atkinson of Denver, Peter of Red Bank, Michael (Mary Ellen) of Red Bank, Constance Madigan (Kevin) of Shrewsbury, John (Jeannie) of Tinton Falls, William of Middletown, Robert (Alison) of Fair Haven, and James (April) of Middletown. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Intelligent and curious, David could complete the Sunday NY Times crossword puzzle in an afternoon and repair the neighbor's lawn mower by sunset; always ready to help without being asked. He was also a student of history, devouring lengthy tomes in a week's time. David loved fishing, gardening, biking, paddle tennis and being outdoors. His family and friends remember him as a "big game hunter" who in fall and winter would map out squirrel nests. When spring came he knew where the varmints were hiding, and the "hunt" was on.

Few knew of David's culinary expertise. Bi-weekly trips to Monmouth Meats provided him with the centerpieces for the dishes he made with instinctive style. All who were lucky enough to sit at the dinner table with David and his family can attest what pride he took in serving a meal.

David was an avid Steelers fan and his quick wit was engaging. He had a keen sense of humor which will be missed by family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Road, Fair Haven. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Keith David McHeffey Foundation at kdmfoundation.com (P.O. Box 528 Rumson NJ 07760) or to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, at giving.mskcc.org. Please visit David's memorial website at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.