Neil Francis Heffernan. Born September 24, 1935, Neil passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026. Born in Boston, MA, Neil was proud to be from Boston and of his Irish Catholic roots. He attended the Boston English High School as well as Northeastern University and University of Detroit. Neil served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from the US Army and the US Airforce throughout the 1950s.
After his time in the service, Neil headed to Detroit to work for the railroads, and later Ford Motor Company for 15 years, and built a life there. Though he loved his time at Ford, he was itching to make his own mark and start a business. In 1973 (?), he opened the doors of Sportsland USA in Detroit’s historic Corktown neighborhood on Michigan and Trumbull Ave. His was one of the first sports souvenir shops in the state to sell apparel from teams all across the nation.. He loved the friends that he made in the neighborhood, his clientele, and daily trips to Nemo’s. But most of all, he loved working alongside his two daughters, Pauline and Suzanne.
Neil will be remembered by his friends and family for a myriad of things: his devotion to God, intelligence, quick-wit, sweet tooth and selflessness. He loved talking politics with his friends over coffee at McDonalds, going to restaurants with his family, and just being in the presence of his loved ones. He had a way of finding humor in every situation and lighting up the room.
He will be missed dearly by his loving family and friends. Beloved son of Timothy and Andrienne. Brother to Paul, John, and Timmy. He is survived by his three children Peter Heffernan, Pauline (Robert) Lessnau, and Suzanne (John) Skubik. Grandfather to Suzanne Lessnau, Katie Hatty, Jennifer Lessnau, Bridget Lessnau, Margaret Skubik, Julia Skubik, and John Skubik. Great-grandfather to Daniel Hatty.
Visitation will be held at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152, on September 4, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary Service at 7:00 pm.
Neil will be In State at St. Michael the Archangel Parish, 11441 Hubbard, Livonia, MI 48150, US, on September 5, 2026, from 10:00 am to 10:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. A burial at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly will take place on a separate day.
