John David Heffernan

1929 - 2021
On September 30, 2021, John "Jack" D. Heffernan of New York City, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by members of his family, at the age of 91.

Jack was born on December 2, 1929, in Philadelphia, PA.

Jack is survived by his loving and devoted wife and partner of more than 44 years, Rosarie Heffernan; his children Justin, Jessica, Kerry, and John and their spouses Deborah, Joachim, Grace, and Jennifer, as well as his seven grandchildren, and his dear sisters, Mary Hallahan and Joan Taddei.

He graduated with a BS in metallurgical engineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 1952, and served in the US Air Force from 1952-1953. After working in the mountains of Colorado searching for uranium for several years, he settled on the East Coast where he raised his family. Jack, in his long career, was a sought-after consultant to the metals industry, many leading financial firms and operating companies around the world. As a respected member of his professional and volunteer communities, he served on many boards and committees throughout his life.

His work led him to travel the world, where he was able to satisfy his deep curiosity of cultures, languages, and people, and to indulge his love for food and art, but mostly his appetite for adventure.

A true renaissance man, Jack was an avid student of history, whose passions included sketch drawing, sailing, skiing, tennis, rowing, and especially, billiards. He was known as the guest you always wanted to have at your party; better yet, at your table, as his talent for regaling those present with his stories and sense of humor was matched only by his flair for dressing immaculately for every occasion. His exuberance for life was truly irresistible.

Jack was a loving, charismatic, dynamic, creative and adventurous man. Our lives have been blessed by his honor, integrity and love. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, colleague and friend, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Mass will be held at the Church of St Vincent Ferrer, 869 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10065, on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 1:30pm. A celebration of his life will follow.

His family requests that donations in his memory be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or to Paralyzed Veterans of America