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M.J. Smith Sons
OBITUARY

Brittany Devin Heaney

November 21, 1990 – February 11, 2021

Brittany Devin Heaney passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 30.

Brittany was born on November 21, 1990 to parents, Thomas and Lisa Heaney in Brooklyn, New York. She is a graduate of St. John’s University School of Law and worked in the King’s County Brooklyn District Attorney’s office as a prosecutor in the Special Victims Bureau. Brittany distinguish herself as hard-working, sensitive, and compassionate in her work.

Brittany is known for her incredible intelligence, sense of humor, and consistent kindness toward others. She was sharp in both wit and style and was a loyal and loving daughter, fiancé, sister, and aunt. Her love and care for her family was unmatched and she will live on through the immeasurable ripple she has made in the world.

Brittany is survived by her parents Thomas and Lisa Heaney, her fiancé and love of her life Vito Rinaldi III, sisters Shannon LaDuca and Meagan Heaney, and nephew Jack, whom she loved as her own. Brittany will also be missed by aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers and as a lasting honor to her legacy, please make a contribution to the Brittany Devin Heaney Foundation.

In partnership with Morgan Stanley, it is our distinct honor to announce the creation of this foundation, in memory of our beloved Brittany. The primary mission of the foundation, in connection with Brittany’s alma mater, St. John’s University School of Law, is to provide a summer fellowship to a law student engaged in a sex crime internship. The foundation will host a yearly memorial dinner, where we can all gather to celebrate Brittany’s life.

To make a contribution, Zelle is linked directly to the foundation. You can Zelle: Alanat630@gmail.com. When making a contribution to the foundation, you will need to enter Alana’s full name: Alana Tierney.

The memorial mass honoring Brittany Devin Heaney will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church located at 2805 Fort Hamilton Parkway Brooklyn, New York 11218 on March 6, 2021 at 12:00PM.

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    Saturday, March 6, 2021

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Brittany Devin Heaney

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Stephanie LoCicero

March 20, 2021

I will never forget the first case I had with Brittany, she was so full of life, compassion and knowledge. I was exhausted, my brain was foggy and new to SVD, she made me feel at ease, even took the time to explain certain things to me from the DA's perspective. She was an amazing person and I always loved when I got cases with her. My deepest condolences to the Heaney family and Vito. May you rest in peace, beautiful Brittany watch over all of us as we continue to do the work you were so passionate about, getting justice for survivors.

Melissa Rios

March 6, 2021

I am truly saddened to hear of the death of this remarkable and strong young woman. I had the honor of knowing Brittany as a young parishioner and later volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul Church. She was intelligent and bright. Brittany was passionate in her convictions and sincere in her compassion.

My deepest prayers go out to her family.

Joseph Markey Sr

March 5, 2021

My deepest sympathy to the Heaney family and Vito.

Jonathan Andrew Perez

February 23, 2021

The world lost one of the best lawyers I’ve ever known, and worked with on trial. She took her commitment to justice and fighting for good to heart. She was also one of the most hysterically funny people I’ve ever met. I can imagine her right now looking over my shoulder, saying don’t mess this up!

Nothing could shake her internal fire, and her uncanny ability to keep things light when no one else could.

She made a tremendous difference in my development as a prosecutor, an attorney, and a person. I really have no words for her untimely passing. I’m grateful to have known her and blessed to have the opportunity. Brit, I hope I didn’t mess this one up!

Lisa Flaherty

February 22, 2021

Heaven gained an angel! My heart aches for your family and Vito too. Although not physically here, your smiling face left a memory of all things beautiful! Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Grace Piccard

February 22, 2021

I am very heart broken as I am writing this. It is the first time now that I see it to be real. I was lucky enough to have worked and train Brittany at Weis Markets in Pennsylvania.
Rat a tat tat was a word I used to say to her when closing the western union so she would remember how many times to press the keypad. Even after she left Weis to pursue her studies, I would tell them to tell her
Rat a tat tat for me. It was our word that I know would put a smile on he pretty face.
I was always super happy when she came to the store with Vito
to pick up a few things that she was bringing over to her parents house. Christmas or new year's was the last time I saw them together at the store checking out at the self check out. I was getting my hug in
with a mask on, but social distancing wasn't taking that hug away from me and Brittany.
And I'm glad I did it. And now she's gone. I will miss you deeply, Brittany xoxo
Love Grace

"RAT A TAT TAT"

Laura Johnson

February 17, 2021

To A.D.A. Heaney’s family - I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked to read about Brittany in the New York Law Journal and immediately remembered the trial mentioned in the article, which I presided over. Brittany did a terrific job of presenting the case and arguing the law but what really shone - and I’m sure the jurors felt it - was her empathy for the women who had been victimized. I watched her progression from new lawyer in criminal court to her first felony trial and I know that she will be sorely missed not only by friends and family but also by the vulnerable women she so passionately represented in court.

EDWARD KATELY

February 17, 2021

With heart felt sympathy.
Wishing you peace that comes with time and the comfort of memories.

Ed and Sue Kately

Judge Elizabeth Warin

February 17, 2021

Brittany appeared in my courtroom many times as a prosecutor and I was consistently impressed by her diligence, intelligence and perseverance. She will be greatly missed by all of us at the courthouse. Please know that we mourn her loss deeply, and we send our condolences to her family and friends.
Judge Elizabeth Warin

Lisa Labenski

February 16, 2021

I read about Brittany in the NY Daily news. I want to be a prosecutor, myself and hearing about her death just broke my heart. I hope that one day I can carry on her beautiful legacy by continuing to do the work that she believed in. My heartfelt prayers to her friends and family.

FROM THE FAMILY