In Memory of Howard L. Heffron Jr.

Obituary

Howard L. Heffron Jr., 80, of Utica died on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at the Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing at Utica.

He was born on February 2, 1945, in Canastota, NY, a son of the late Howard L. Heffron and Margaret Dutcher Heffron.  Howard graduated from Oneida High School, Delhi College, Utica College and received his advanced degrees from SUNY.  On August 23, 1969, in Oneida he married Janet Preston.  Howard was a teacher at New Hartford Central School and in North Carolina and an administrator at both Edmeston Central School and Westmoreland Central School.

Howard was a member of the New Hartford Presbyterian Church where he served many roles.  He also served as an officer of the Lions Club of Utica.  

Howard enjoyed community theater and participated in various plays over the years.  In particular, he enjoyed his role as the Ghost of Marley in Scrooge.  He also acted as a volunteer coach for his children.  Howard loved water sports.   For several summers he was Director of Waterfront at Camp Shohola in Pennsylvania. Other summers were spent as Director of Waterfront at Yahnundasis Golf Club.  He also coached high school and club swim teams.  

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Janet Heffron of Utica; his children, Michael Heffron of Scotland, Gregory Heffron and his wife, Beth, of Georgia, Kathryn Heffron and her husband, Vincente Vigil, of Colorado, and Brian Heffron and his wife, Melissa, of Clay, New York; 12 grandchildren; brother, Harry Heffron of Oneida and his nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents; his stepbrother, Robert Schuck; stepsisters, Barbara Foster and Carol Burdick.

The family would like to offer a thank you to the staff of the Grand of Utica, especially the staff on floor 2 South, in particular, Tammy, Jessica, Missy, Debbie, Howard and Nellie for all the special care given to Howard.

The funeral will be on Tuesday, September 9 at 10:00 am at the New Hartford Presbyterian Church, 45 Genesee St, New Hartford.  Calling hours will be on Monday, September 8 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the Lions Club of Utica or the New Hartford Presbyterian Church in memory of Howard. Envelopes will be available at the services.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.