Joseph P. Heidt Jr.

1945 - 2021

Joseph P. Heidt, Jr.
December 6, 1945 - February 4, 2021
Boalsburg, Pennsylvania - Joseph "Joe" P. Heidt, Jr, 75 of Boalsburg, formerly of Doylestown, died on Thursday, February, 4th, 2021 in Palm Beach, Florida after a brief illness.
Born on December 6, 1945, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph P. and Teresa Heidt (née Sulock).
Joe graduated from Northeast High School in 1963 where he was on the swim team and crew. He then attended Pennsylvania State University, class of 1967, where he studied mathematics.
In 1966, Joe married Charlotte Warfield (d. 2020) in Rockledge, PA. After graduation, they moved to the Philadelphia area and he began a long career in computer programming that spanned over 40 years; working on everything from punch cards to the cloud. He started at RCA briefly in 1967, then went to ADR (Applied Data Research) in Princeton, NJ where he was a pioneer in computer software programming for mainframe IBM computers. ADR was the first company to receive a software patent in 1968 and in 1969 he helped to build their online programming software product. ADR was a leader in creating software products from 1970's thru 1980's. Eventually, ADR was sold to Ameritech then Computer Associates. In 1990 Joe began programming for BMC Software and retired from BMC in 2014.
In 1990, Joe and his wife Charlotte purchased the Reynolds Mansion in Bellefonte and opened a Bed & Breakfast in 1994. The advancement of the internet allowed him to work for BMC Software from home while Charlotte took care of the day to day running of the bed and breakfast. The Reynolds Mansion Bed & Breakfast was a lifetime dream for Charlotte and together they transformed the old mansion into one of the best B&B's in Pennsylvania which was nationally recognized by the Select Registry.
As a business owner in Bellefonte, Joe became involved in various civic and volunteer organizations. He joined the Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094 in 1997, became Exalted Ruler in 2004, District State VP 2009 and the District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 2010. He remained active with the Bellefonte Lodge up until his passing offering his computer knowledge, financial advice and assistance with the District Deputy Visitation Team. Joe served on the Bellefonte Borough Council from 1997 – 2009 leading for a time as the Vice President and President. He served on council at a pivotal time in the town's history when they had to adopt national standards of fire and safety codes to help prevent fires and loss of the numerous, beautiful historic buildings in Bellefonte.
Joe's real passion was enjoying his favorite hobbies with his friends and family; fly fishing and hunting with his son, working on model trains with his grandsons, and playing golf with his friends at Centre Hills Country Club. He supported Penn State Football and Women's Volleyball. He appreciated good conversation over a bourbon and a cigar, poker nights and especially the comradery of friends and family at the cabin.
Joe is survived by two children, Adrienne "Andi" Heidt of Bellefonte and Joseph P. Heidt, III and his wife Marisa (August) of Golden, Colorado; two grandsons, Dakota Nixdorf and Finn Nixdorf and a granddaughter, Drew Nixdorf of Bellefonte. He was preceded in death by his sister, Kathryn R. Heidt and a granddaughter, Valerie T. Heidt.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Centre Hills Country Club on Saturday, February 27th, 2021 from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm. Friends, family, neighbors, members are welcome to drop in to remember and share memories of Joe, a wonderful father, grandfather and friend who will be greatly missed. In order to aid with Covid protocol we ask that State College friends, members and neighbors attend between the hours of 11:30 – 1:00 and Bellefonte friends, members and neighbors attend between 1:00 – 2:30. Elks Memorial Service will be at 2:15pm. Out of town family and friends may come at any time. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094 at the Celebration of Life or sent to 120 W High St. Bellefonte, PA 16823.