George Paul Heffernan Jr.
George Paul Heffernan Jr.
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George Heffernan Obituary
KINGSTON — George Paul Heffernan Jr., 87, of Kingston, passed away Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, at the Kingston Health Care Center.
Born and raised in Kingston, he was a son of the late George P. Sr. and Claire Lydon Heffernan. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary and received his Bachelor's degree from Wilkes College, with additional credits from Harvard University during this period. He received his Masters of Science degree from the University of Scranton.
After college, George spent 14 years in the advertising business in New York City, leaving the J. Walter Thompson Agency in 1965 to accept a position as a Social Studies instructor at Toms River High School North, from where he retired in 1990.
George was involved in all phases of the school curriculum, coordinating the Voice of Democracy Contest, Washington Workshop and Law Day Essay. He was awarded Teacher of the Year at Toms River in 1988.
He was a member of the Ocean County Historical Society, Luzerne County Historical Society and St. Ignatius Loyola Church.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Andrew H. Heffernan, M.D.
Surviving are his sisters, Patricia Ferenbach, Essex, Connecticut, Paula Daley, Kingston; nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in St. Ignatius of Loyola Church, 339 N. Maple Ave., Kingston. A private interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township. There will be no calling hours.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Harold C. Snowdon Home for Funerals Inc., 420 Wyoming Ave., Kingston.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Scholar
November 9, 2021
Remembering Mr. Heffernan on this lovely fall day. Such nice memories of his class. We were all lucky to have him as our teacher.
Nephew
March 31, 2016
Thank you for the most recent post. He would be happy to read your thoughts.
Greg Lattanzio
March 29, 2016
Mr. Heffernan was unique in so many ways. The class of 1979 (my graduation year) yearbook devoted a tribute to him as I recall...he was that popular with his students or, as we all know how he referred to us, his "scholars". Although most of us only knew him as our US history teacher, it was clear that he was a kind and caring person. I hope he had the good fortune to enjoy his retirement years in health and happiness. His memory will remain with me and many of his scholars for our lifetimes. He was our Mr. Chips!
Bonnie Jones
November 15, 2015
My favorite high school teacher and a brilliant man with such a great sense of dry humor. What a joy! He is very much missed.
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Tish
November 6, 2015
One of my earliest memories of Uncle George was as a child going on a bear hunt in our neighborhood, balloon in one hand and Uncle's hand in the other. We never did find any bear, but I found an uncle who was always interested in my life. He never forgot to send me cards with a handwritten, personalized note for my birthday, Easter, St. Patrick's Day, and other special occasions. Uncle George was our observer, family historian, teller of tales, keeper of anecdotes on all manner of subjects, and collector of all sorts of treasures. Gracious, faithful, and clever until the end, Uncle George kept adding happily to his list of nieces and nephews, never forgetting any of us. Our thanks for the kind memories of his many students. He no doubt remembered you, too!
November 6, 2015
Nephew- thank you for letting us know that our memories were shared with friends and family. Much appreciated.
1981
November 5, 2015
Nephew
November 4, 2015
I meant were read. Auto correct on the iPad. Post script, thank you for the student from 1980 who came to the funeral today. My family was touched.
Nephew
November 4, 2015
I am the nephew of George Heffernan. My family was touched by all of your comments and they we're read today at his funeral. Everyone enjoyed them all, especially sneaking People magazine in class. Thank you for all of your memories
Scholar Gregory
November 3, 2015
Rest well Mr. Heffernan. Your kindness and intellect touched us all at TRHN. You truly possessed the innate ability to bring out the best in us. I only wish that my kids have the experience of a scholar such as you. You will be missed, sir.
November 3, 2015
Enjoyed all my political chats with George and a book he let me read about toxic chemicals in toms river.
Pam Hyatt
November 3, 2015
I was blessed to have taught with Mr Heffernan (no, I never referred to him with only his first name - it somehow didn't seem proper!). I learned more from him than he ever forgot! He WAS a scholar, and generously shared his knowledge with all. It was able to instill in his students a joy of learning and a belief that "Yes, I CAN learn!" He also showed us all that civility and a gentle nature could still lead one to great success and achieve a very high level of respect from everyone. He was Tom River North's own "Mr. Chips" - a highly regarded and valuable member of our community. He made a real difference in the lives of so many of us who were blessed to know him.
Scholar Fung
November 3, 2015
Mr H, you were the best. We will all miss you but you will live on forever in the memories of all of us students that you have touched.
Lynn Fedorczyk-Whitehead
November 3, 2015
A wonderful teacher who touched the lives of so many. RIP Mr. Heffernan Our deepest sympathies to the family
Here is a facebook conversation from today. Have a look <3
Judy (Sgombick) Sobko
November 2, 2015
I was fortunate to have an abundance of excellent teachers in my life and Mr. Heffernan was by far the best. He was endlessly smart, funny and had a dry, wry wit that I loved. When he called us "scholars," poked fun at our vanities and weaknesses, and drove us to academic excellence, he did so with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a desire to see us all achieve. He reminded me of Paul Lynde without the "bite" and I can't stop smiling at the thought of him. His was a life well-lived and I hope his family realizes what a huge impact he had on thousands of us. I love you Mr. Heffernan and hope you rest well.
Linda Hann
November 2, 2015
Mr. Heffernan was genius in the way he led us - he raised the bar on smart and showed me how to be my own self. I loved him very much! TRN class of 82. Much love and support to his family.
Laura Salinard-Kern
November 2, 2015
Mr. Heffernan was a true gentleman and a "scholar". He never missed an opportunity to let his students know he believed in their ability and potential. He made a difference in my life, and in the lives of countless others. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Sheryl Stein
November 2, 2015
Mr. Heffernan was a very special teacher. He truly was a gentleman and a scholar. My brothers and I all were lucky enough to be part of his history classes. My sincerest condolences to his entire family. He meant a great deal to me and to so many of my fellow TRHSN students.
Amanda (Mandi) (Friedman) Shechter
November 2, 2015
Mr. Heffernan was a rare breed of teacher -- soft spoken but commanding of respect. He really believed in our ability to do whatever we set our minds to. I always felt respected and loved in his class. A truly great scholar and gentleman.
Laura Brick
November 2, 2015
I remember Mr Heffernan very well, with fondness and respect. He was a great teacher-one I won't ever forget. RIP sir. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Respectfully,
Laura Homan Brick (TRHN '81)
A former student
November 2, 2015
Mr. Heffernan was my teacher more than 30 years ago. I didn't really like history so I used to sneak People magazine into my binder and read it during class. He must have noticed because he added some questions to weekly trivia that could only be answered if you had read that week's People magazine; I was the only one raising my hand. He was so kind.
Michelle
November 2, 2015
My condolences to the family in your loss of George. May the God of all comfort strengthen you to cope during this time of mourning.
Chris (Sullivan) Rodas
November 2, 2015
I loved Mr. Heffernan's class! It was one of the highlights of my high school days. He will be missed.
Joe Discenza
November 2, 2015
George was my HS teacher and then a teaching colleague, he was a good man,teacher and friend. My prayers are w/ his family.
Joann Sodon (Manteau) TRN86
November 2, 2015
I remember you as a kind and understanding teacher. You did make a difference.
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420 Wyoming Ave, Kingston, PA 18704
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