William Joseph Heap

William Joseph Heap (Bill) passed away on February 23, 2025 in Middletown, NJ. Bill was born at Staten Island Hospital in September 1944, to Sally and Joseph Heap.
Bill was a graduate of Augustinian Academy and Marist College, with a BA in English.
He moved to the UK in 1970 and worked as a group home house leader with the Richmond Fellowship. In 1975, Bill returned to the US and taught English and Literature in New England and the Dakotas (Sioux Nation). Then Bill established his home in San Francisco. He worked for Sutro & Company until its close in 2003. He relocated to NJ to be closer to family in 2024.
Bill was an avid reader and loved traveling, gardening, swimming and he was a chamber music and symphony lover. Until recently, Bill routinely spent time in Sydney, Rio de Janeiro and Paris. In his spare time, Bill also volunteered for Shanti Project and for the Lafayette Park conservation program.
Bill was a loving, funny, cultured, sensitive, kind and loyal brother, uncle and friend. He was a man of integrity and honesty who insisted on living his life on his own terms. Those who truly knew him know that he could get into a proper "snit" when faced with obstacles, but, he was also open minded and would listen to and consider another's view.
Bill will be fondly remembered for his kind heart, generous spirit and quick wit and for his appreciation of a really good bottle of wine.
Bill was predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard Heap. He is survived by his sister Barbara Corey, his brother and sister in law Donald and Margaret Heap, and his sister in law Rita Heap. Bill is also survived by eleven nieces and nephews, twenty four great nieces and nephews, and two great-great nieces and nephews.
In addition to his family, Bill is also survived by close personal friends Lillie in San Francisco, Angus and Tieba in London, Sue and Graham in Bury (UK), Larry in Philadelphia, and Jim and Scott in Phoenix.
The family wishes to thank the staffs at Brighton Gardens of Middletown and Embracing Hospice for their care and compassion.
Funeral arrangements are private.