Patrick Edward Heffernan

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Patrick Edward Heffernan, who died peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the age of 72.

“For unto Thy faithful, O Lord, life is changed, not taken away; and the abode of this earthly sojourn being dissolved, an eternal dwelling is prepared in heaven.” (Preface for the Dead)

Patrick Edward Heffernan was born in West Rockhill Township in Bucks County, the fourth of six children, to Edward and Mary Bernice Heffernan on October 4, 1953. He married Theresa Ann Byrne of Hightstown, NJ, on May 13, 1978. God quickly blessed them with 12 children. For 41 years Dad worked tirelessly to support his family doing the grueling work of a residential mover. His unfaltering work ethic set an example to his eight sons who worked alongside him in the family business.

The daily family rosary, Sunday Mass, and constant novenas to St. Joseph, his favorite saint, were the heartbeat of Dad’s life. He showed his love for his family through these prayers, offering novenas for each of his children even through his last year. Besides prayers, Dad showed his affection through family trips to Gettysburg, Niagara Falls, and of course, Great Adventure. He delighted his children with innumerable visits to Veterans Stadium and Citizens Bank Park to root for his Phillies. Particularly special memories were the Phillies fireworks nights, which transitioned into private Independence Day firework extravaganzas planned many months in advance. But by far, the most memorable experience that Dad created for his children was the astonishing transformation of the living room after the Midnight Mass to Christmas morning. When we went to bed that night, the living room was clean and tidy with the light in the Bethlehem stable shining, awaiting the arrival of the Infant Christ. Upon awakening not many hours later, we tiptoed into a wonderland of joy and love. Heaps of wrapped presents separated into piles for each child crowded the living room; the dining room table, bare the night before, was stacked with little boxes of cereal, juice boxes, and the most delicious-looking fruit we had seen all year. Dad’s love language was clearly gift-giving, and year after year individual birthdays were also celebrated with pomp, cake, and very many gifts.

As his children grew older and moved out, Dad took time to travel with his beloved Theresa, often taking long vacations to see the United States by car. Once they drove the entire length of I 95, from Maine to the Florida Keys. He particularly enjoyed traveling west to appreciate the beauty of the mountains, canyons, and forests.

Finally in 2022 as his health was failing, Dad was forced to retire. These last few “happy golden years”, as he called them, were spent playing board games with his wife and grandkids, watching or (after his eyesight failed) listening to every single Phillies game, and enjoying long phone conversations with his children. He had a quick wit and a clever sense of humor, never missing an opportunity to poke fun at himself, and happily supplying a comeback if you weren’t fast enough to think of one on your own.

Dad suffered chronic kidney failure for many years before his death and was brought home on hospice care after a last emergency visit to the hospital. His last year had been one of much suffering, endured only through the power of prayer, the patience of his Theresa, and a pickle in his pocket. On November 8, 2025, Pat Heffernan passed into his eternal reward at his home in Trevose surrounded by his wife and children.

Pat is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Theresa, and his 12 children, Maureen Heffernan, Bridget (Howard) Wu, Edward (Angela) Heffernan, Mary Beck, Patrick (Tina) Heffernan, Timothy (Jessica) Heffernan, Fr. Joseph Heffernan, FSSP, Br. Seraphim Mary of the Assumption, M.Carm., Daniel (Melissa) Heffernan, Matthew (Annmarie) Heffernan, Christopher (Juliana) Heffernan, and Jennifer Heffernan. He is survived as well by 20 grandchildren, and his sister Mary Goodman.

Family and friends are invited to Patrick's viewing on Friday, November 14, 2025 from 4pm-7pm at Hoffmann Meyers Givnish Funeral Home located at 1770 Brown Avenue, Bensalem, Pa. 19020.

Solemn Requiem Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:30 am held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, located at 140 W Hector St., Conshohocken, Pa 19428, followed by a private burial service.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that Masses be offered for the repose of Patrick’s soul.

Condolences and words of remembrance can be made on Patrick's tribute wall at www.meyersfh.com

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hoffmann Meyers Givnish Funeral Home.