Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Heffner Obituary
December 22, 2011
William J. Heffner Jr., 51, of Summit Station, passed away Thursday at Reading Hospital and Medical Center, West Reading.
Born in Pottsville, March 19, 1960, he was a son of Kay Geschwindt Heffner Smith, Schuylkill Haven, and the late William Heffner.
He was the husband of Deborah Peiffer Heffner, to whom he was married for 27 years.
He worked as a PCO at the State Police Barracks, Schuylkill Haven.
William was a 1978 graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School.
He was the fire chief at Summit Station Fire Company and a life member of Rainbow Hose Company.
William is preceded in death by his father, William J. Heffner; a sister, Deborah Heffner; and his stepfather, Paul Smith.
Surviving, in addition to his mother and wife, are a son, William J. Heffner III, Auburn; a daughter, Ashley Heffner, Summit Station; two brothers, Jeffrey Heffner, husband of Debbie, Dumont, N.J., and Craig Heffner, husband of Joy, Schuylkill Haven; a nephew, Christopher Heffner; and a niece, Hannah Peiffer.
A celebration of life funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., 25 E. Main St., Schuylkill Haven, with the Rev. Bradley Walmer officiating. Friends are invited to call from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. For those attending the evening viewing, parking will be available at the Schuylkill Haven High School. A bus will shuttle from the school parking lot to the funeral home. Friends are also invited to call from 10 a.m. until the time of the services Tuesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Summer Hill Cemetery, Auburn, where a Firemen's Funeral Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be accepted at the funeral home or sent to Deborah Heffner, P.O. Box 191, Summit Station, PA 17979 or Summit Station Fire Company, P.O. Box 63, Summit Station, PA 17979 or Gift of Life Donor Program, 401 N. Third St., Philadelphia, PA 19123. Condolences may be sent to the family in care of www.gsesfuneralhomes.com. Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Heffner
January 11, 2012
To the family , we extend our sympathy and prayers. Bill was a wonderful person and will be missed by us and everyone.
Frank & Gertie Skibiel
Barbara (Robison) Kies
December 29, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Luanne Kruss-Mengle
December 29, 2011
Deb & family,
My prayers and sympathies to all of you at this sad time. May your wonderful memories help you through this sad time.
The Frey Family
December 28, 2011
Your dad was a great man. our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. if you guys need anything. let us know.
Allan & Debbie Shepler
December 28, 2011
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Heffner Family. Will was the "lifeline" to so many through his work as a PCO and Fire Chief. His job was not easy, and often unrewarding. But if just one life was made easier, comforted, or saved by Will's actions, then his life was well worth it and he was rewarded. Now he rests in the arms of our Loving, Understanding God, in peace.
Mark Rivera
December 28, 2011
From everyone here at the Summit Station quarry, we lost a terrific fire chief and friend. Will, was just here to weigh the truck a few weeks back and we gave him a donation from the company as well as myself for the house on the Fairgrounds property. Always had a smile on his face. Our condolences to the family Pennsy Supply and Farm house on the Fairgrounds. Mark and company.
Marty thorne
December 28, 2011
will was a great man,He is sadly missed .God bless you and the family .
Charlene Hoffman
December 27, 2011
Our Dear Ashley and family,
We know that the loss of your father is leaving a big empty hole in your heart and in your life.
Knowing your Dad is with God and watching you from Heaven may be a small comfort to you.
If there is anything we can do for you and your family, we are here for you.
Blessings from The Hoffman Family.
December 27, 2011
My condolences to the Heffner Family, from one PCO to another and a Vol.FF Rest in Peace and I know Will is looking over all those he loved and will continue to be a presence in all the lives he touched.
Jeff Knapp
Brockway Vol Hose Co.
PSP RIDGWAY
Ana Tray
December 27, 2011
Even though I'm miles away I never forgot my friends in P.A. My prayers are with him and your family. I will never forget his smile and good memories of him.
Ana Tray
Steve Stinsky
December 27, 2011
Will, rest in peace brother and continue to be our guide from heaven above. To the Heffner family my deepest condolences for your loss. Will was a great man, a tremendous public servant and will be missed by many.
Ed Smith
December 26, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Heffner family. Rest in peace my friend!
December 26, 2011
Will my friend, we had a lot of good times together and it is sad your time was cut short leaving a void in so many lives you touched. Deb, William, and Ashley, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John and Valerie Morrow
Marsha Breiner
December 26, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Heffner family. I got to know Will through the fire service many years ago---what a great man, one who will be missed greatly by all. I pray God will help you through this dark hour and Will--I hope to see you again one day!
Barry and Susan Long
December 26, 2011
Our sympathy goes out to the Heffner family for their loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert and Andrea Eye Jr. and Family
December 26, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Pennsylvania State Police
December 26, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Amanda miller
December 26, 2011
Deb and family,
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss at this time of the year. My prayers and sympathy I'm out to yous. And to Will r.i.p. you are a great man a will be missed greatly but never ever forgotten. You'll forever be I'm our hearts. And we all know you're looking down watching over your family and friends.
John Eisenhard
December 25, 2011
The right words escape me but I will think of them by the time we meet again Will. My thoughts and prayers to the Heffner family at this most difficult time. We will cherish the memories always.
Brooke
December 25, 2011
Deb & family,it is so hard to find the right words to say. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all at this very difficult time.
Charles Buehler
December 25, 2011
To Debbie and extended family, we're sorry for your troubles...so saddened by your loss. We look forward to the day we see a classmate and wonderful childhood friend again in eternity. Lord bless you all...Holly & Charles 'Bub' Buehler
Pat Killian
December 25, 2011
Deb and the Heffner family my deepest sympathy. I saw this poem and thought of Will.
When I come to the end of my journey
And I travel my last weary mile,
Just forget if you can, that I ever frowned
And remember only the smile.
Forget unkind words I have spoken;
Remember the good I have done.
Forget that I ever had heartache
And remember I've had loads of fun.
Forget that I've stumbled and blundered
And sometimes fell by the way.
Remember I have fought some hard battles
And won, ere the close of the day.
Then forget to grieve for my going,
I would not have you sad for a day,
But in summer just gather some flowers
And remember the place where I lay,
And come in the shade of evening
When the sun paints the sky in the west
Stand for a few moments beside me
And remember only my best.
M & R Carroll
December 24, 2011
Deb and all of the Heffner family our deepest sympathies. Please take comfort in knowing that others share in your sorrow. Will was a very beautiful person and will be missed by many who dearly loved him.
Marty and Rosemay Carroll
Mark Krammes
December 24, 2011
RIP my Cousin! We had many, many years of great times together. Gone way to soon. God bless all of Families involved.
Ed Yeich
December 24, 2011
My Deepest Sympathy to all of Will's family, Debbie, William, Ashley, Kay, Jeff and Craig. Will touched and enriched the lives of many, certainly mine was one of them. A Mentor and a Friend, Will was always an inspiration to me. I think that is is safe to say that many of us looked up to him and inspired to be like him and to be good at what we chose to do, just as he was. Someday, I know we'll ride again. Rest Easy Brother.
Jen Roeder
December 24, 2011
Debbie, To you and your family goes my deepest sympathy. May it comfort you to know you will see Will again someday. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
December 24, 2011
Deb and family -- it is so hard to find the right words to say. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you at this very difficult time. Will was a great individual and will definitely be missed. Know that any of you can call any time if you need a shoulder to lean on. I will be there for you. Janet and Nick Rodnick (Summit Station)
41-80 Mike Kramer
December 24, 2011
May god bless your family at this time of loss. Chief 34-05 was a great man who taught us fire fighters so much that we will never forget those memories of him with us.
Lisa (Berger) Moyer & Family
December 24, 2011
Debbie & Family,
May you be comforted in knowing how many lives Will touched in his profession. He will be greatly missed by everyone in and around the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
DONNA TUROLIS
December 24, 2011
Debbie and family sorry for your loss. my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time .an angel is looking down on you ,
ruth ann and ken freeman
December 24, 2011
debbie you william and ashley are in our thoughts and prayer at this difficult time. may you find peace and strength for the days to come. god will be by your side just reach out to him
Debbie Cherrybon
December 24, 2011
Ashley & Family,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Dad.
Debbie, Lora & Leeza Cherrybon & Mia
December 24, 2011
Kay & Will Heffner family; I was sorry to read about Will's passing, especially this time of year. My sympaythys and you all will be in my prayers..Nick Segilia, Coaldale, Pa.
Mark & Lori Fitzgerald
December 24, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
41-06 bubba
December 24, 2011
rest in peace 34-05 you wil be missed alot as a freind and a a fellow fire chief
Nick Krause
December 24, 2011
Rest In Peace, Big Will You will never be forgotten. You will truely be missed
Ande Ebling
December 24, 2011
Through your chosen profession and your work through the Fire Department, you have touched thousands and thousands of lives of people who never even knew you nor you them. More importantly, through your life you have touched the lives of hundreds of your family, friends and co-workers. Thanks for all the good times shared my friend.....till we meet again.
Michael & Kathy Carroll
December 24, 2011
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jennifer Zimmerman-Shurock
December 24, 2011
Rest in Peace, Big Will....
Jen Zimmerman-Shurock
December 24, 2011
Rest in Peace, Big Will...
joshua grubel
December 24, 2011
rest in peace (cheif 34-05) prayers go out to the family and freinds also to the fellow firefighters you will be greatly missed by everyone you touched lives of many people and we can never replace the memories we have of you.
Steve Nagy
December 24, 2011
Chief, Now You Can Rest In Peace...
Bill Seigenfuse
December 24, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow
Dale Fisher
December 24, 2011
Rest in peace my friend....till we meet again. May god bless and watch over your family in this very difficult time.
Tim Doyle
December 24, 2011
I didn't know this incredible man, but my heartfelt sympathies go out to your family. May god bless you and keep your hearts warm and continue to heal your pain and sorrow through this most difficult time.
DALE FISHER
December 24, 2011
TO MY DEAREST FRIEND, REST IN PEACE BROTHER...TILL WE MEET AGAIN. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMAILY AND GUIDE THEM THROUGH THESE TRYING TIMES.
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
Make a Donation
in William Heffner's name
Memorial Events
for William Heffner
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Heffner's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
