Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Heydt Obituary
Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Leonard and Agnes (Zeman) Heydt. William served in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Allentown. He graduated from Central Catholic High School, Class of '56, and was a recipient of their Distinguished Graduate Award.
Bill was well known as a caring and compassionate agent for Allstate Insurance for 56 years, earning countless national awards and induction into the company's Hall of Fame. However, it was in civic service that he made his most indelible mark. Bill served as Mayor of the City of Allentown from 1994 to 2002 and, over the years, contributed to numerous organizations including the Allentown Jaycees, Lehigh County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Allentown Planning Commission, Allentown Economic Development Corporation, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Police Athletic League, Municipal Opera Company, Allentown Art Museum, Allentown Miller Symphony Hall, Lehigh County Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania League of Cities, and the South Whitehall Township Authority.
Survivors: Wife; sons, William J. Heydt and wife Karen of Newark, DE, and Joseph W. Heydt and wife Bonnie of Allentown; sisters, Cecilia Brown of Dover, DE, and Elizabeth Meyers of Topton, PA; grandchildren, Tara J. Heydt Urian, wife of Daniel, Lauren M. Heydt Katz, wife of Jeffrey, W. Jonathan Heydt and wife Nicole, Meredith Christman, wife of Shane, Benjamin Heydt, and Ethan Heydt; great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Phoebe, Noah, Olivia, Jack, Zoe, and Kennedy. He was predeceased by a sister, Bernardine Keshel.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. A calling hour will be held that morning from 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's memory to the Allentown Art Museum or the Allentown Miller Symphony Hall.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Heydt
Audrey Cashman
May 5, 2025
To Mary Ann and her sons Bill, Joe, their spouses and families, my heartfelt sympathy. To this day I am honored Bill chose me to join his City of Allentown Mayoral staff. He was an excellent Mayor. All he accomplished, including leading the City into the new Millennium, showed how much he loved Allentown and all who lived and worked in it. You can feel so proud Mary Ann of the life you shared with Bill and of the generosity and caring you both shared with many others. I smile whenever times spent with you and your family are remembered. I hope your memories will soon do the same. God Bless.
Audrey Cashman
Cathy Brooks (Egge)
May 3, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to Mary Ann and the entire Heydt family. I know this is a very stressful time; may your love and memories carry you through your grief.
Joyce Egge Stein
May 2, 2025
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Loretta Wagner
May 2, 2025
Bill was my agent for many years and his son to follow. He was the best Mayor this city has ever had. My condolences to the Heydt family.
Sheriff Joe Hanna
May 2, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to Mary Ann, Bill, Joe, and Bill's entire family.
Mayor Heydt brought a combination of his inherent intelligence and business acumen to make Allentown a better place to live and work. He displayed exceptional leadership and confidence, qualities of a true leader.
May God rest his soul...memory eternal.
Sandi DiLeo Bernhard
May 1, 2025
Mary Ann and family, Dennis and I are so sorry about your loss. Bill was a good man who we considered a friend. May time heal your pain. Prayers and love. Sandi and Dennis Bernhard
Clark and Karen Rabenold
May 1, 2025
Dear Mary Ann, We are saddened to learn about Bill's death and extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We have fond memories of Bill through the years and time spent with you both here in Naples, FL. Clark and Karen Rabenold
Wendy Engler Shade
May 1, 2025
Mary Ann and family, I know how tears will surely tinge your smiles when you think and speak of this wonderful man. I hope that your obvious, unwavering faith will sustain you now, and that comfort and peace will eventually be the result. Your friend, Wendy
Nick and Helen Nicholas
May 1, 2025
Dear Maryann, thinking of you and praying for you at this difficult time. We sure shared fun times together, good memories. God bless you. Love, Nick and Helen.
Robert J. Miklas, USN.
May 1, 2025
Bill, you are now relieved from your post. A job well done fellow veteran and community servant. The final battle is now over and peace has been restored. America thanks you for your service to our country in the defense of freedom. The final volley has sounded and taps is about to sound ending a successful career as a nation´s defender. Farewell fellow veteran.
Judy Snyder
April 30, 2025
So very sorry to the HEYDT family. Mayor HEYDT was an exceptional person. Remember all the wonderful memories and he will be in your heart forever.
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in William Heydt's name
Memorial Events
for William Heydt
May
7
Funeral services provided by:
J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc.1601 W Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18102
How to support William's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor William Heydt'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
