August 7, 2022, while surrounded by loving family members, Vincent Patrick Heaney (81), of Orlando, began a new life with our Heavenly Father. Pat will once again be with his son, David Christopher Heaney and his wife, Cynthia Hilton Heaney along with other family members who passed before him. Born on March 9, 1941, in Chicago, Pat was the oldest of eleven children by his pre-deceased parents – Vincent James and Lorraine Thieme Heaney. Pat and his wife were Boone High School sweethearts and married July 22, 1961. They had three children.
Pat loved working with his hands and driving his Gravely mower and field tractor! He built or repaired everything from his cabin in Ocala, stock cars and boats, to barns on their farm. He loved the farm and did all he could to make his family’s dreams come true. He helped his children learn responsibility, accountability, competition, and care for others by encouraging them to raise animals (horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, chickens and more) and growing and harvesting vegetables all while keeping up grades and activities at school. At night, before Pat would settle in for a giant bowl of Cheerios or ice cream, we would have family wrestling. He was known by many as the “whisker man”. He would tickle our faces and bellies with his face whiskers causing us to squeal in delight!
At the age of 14, Pat started working for the Conway Fire Department (due to starting his parents’ field on fire!) and from there his love of the fire department grew. He was so proud when his son Jeff followed in his footsteps. After 29 years, Pat retired as District Chief of Orlando Fire Department. Pat loved to challenge everyone to do more than they thought they could do. His mantra was “how do you know you can’t do it if you don’t try!” In addition to his work at the station, during his 48 hours off duty, Pat also enjoyed working at his friend’s boat business – Hagood Brothers in Orlando. Pat was known and loved by many in the community, the department, and the neighborhood. He cared for so many!
Holding on to his memories will be his living brothers and sisters – Joanne Heaney Poer, Kathleen Heaney Pitts, Marilyn Heaney Kraft, James Heaney, and Gregory Heaney; three children and their spouses - Pamela Heaney Hargis (Jim Hargis), Jeffrey Patrick Heaney (Sharon Kurtz Heaney), David Heaney – deceased (Sheri Phillips Heaney); six grandchildren and their spouses/SOs – Jonathan Hargis (Deanna DeSanto), Jennifer Hargis (Walter Hallam), Andrew Heaney, Ashley Heaney (Brandon Benton), Krystina Heaney Lent (Devan Lent), & Taylor Heaney; 12 great-grandchildren, and his large extended family.
Pat’s “Celebration of Life” along with his “Final dispatch call” will be:
Sunday, December 4, 2022 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Orlando Lakeside Reception Hall (Fireman's Hall), 4005 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32805
Cards celebrating Pat’s life may be mailed to: 3609 Canal Rd, Edgewater, FL 32141
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