IN MEMORIAM: James Heegan, 85;
Father Of Otsego Chamber President
ONEONTA – James Francis Heegan, 85, father of Otsego County Chamber of Commerce President Barbara Ann Heegan, passed away May 14, 2017, in Elmont, on Long Island, where he resided.
He was born on Jan. 11, 1932 in Brooklyn, to William and Anne Heegan. He served in the Army during the Korean and Vietnam wars. Following his honorable career military service, Jim worked 25 years for the City of New York as a private investigator. Jim was a cherished husband, dad, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
The oldest of nine siblings, Jim – the big brother of the family – was known as “Big Jim.” He greeted everyone he met with a smile and a warm hug. Ever gifted with a great sense of humor, Jim shared his friendship and talents freely, helping other veterans and being involved as a civic leader specifically caring for fellow senior citizens in his community.
He is survived by his two children, son Douglas F. Heegan, his wife Deidre Lynn Heegan and their daughter Cassandra Grace of Sharpsburg, Ga., as well as his daughter Barbara Ann Heegan and her children Christina Joy, Sean Patrick and Scott William; and his daughter’s life partner Dr. Robert B. Pondolfino Jr., of Oneonta. Jim is also survived by his siblings Gerald, Joseph, Michael, Richard and sister Rosemarie, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend, Florence; his parents; brothers Robert and William and sister Barbara.
Calling Hours will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at Malverne Funeral Home Anthony J. Walsh and Son Inc., 330 Hempstead Ave., Malverne, NY 11565 (516) 593-7230. The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday May 18, at St. Boniface Church, 631 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003.
Entombment with military honors will follow at the St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square, NY.