My name is Sean Vreeland and I grew up in Wayne, New Jersey.  My family and I will miss Father Heekin.  He married my parents and was a regular at our house while growing up.  I was an alter boy for many years under his wing and have many great memories.  I always felt like I was one of the few people in the world that new "first hand" priests actually use curse words once in awhile.  That was really cool when your a 14 year old boy.   He also called me "kid" even in recent years when I would speak to him occasionally on the phone.  He will be sorely missed.  We love you Father Heekin.  God Bless!!!!   

I met Fr John more than 30 years ago. I only just now heard of his passing.   He helped me get through some very difficult  periods of my life.  He patched me together when I was was broken and could always spare a shoulder when I cried;.He has come to NYC to visit my family and me, and I have stayed with him in the condo-even after he stopped going to the pool.  I loved the man.  He was my friend, my teacher, mentor and spiritual guide.  I was 25 when I met him and he called me kid.  He still called me kid in my 50s.  He was also a great  drinking buddy and kept me out of a lot of trouble I think.  I will miss him sorely for the rest of my days.  When the time comes and I seek my eternal reward, I  hope Fr. John is there waiting to sneak me in through the service entrance and keep me out of trouble once again. May God Bless and keep you Fr. John.  Ill see you later.

Capt. Jack and I were very good friends when we both lived in N.J.   I will miss him but I will never forget him.

John was a wonderful brother to me and I truly miss him.   I’m so glad I got to spend the last two months of his life with him and he was not alone.  John, I’m trying very hard to fulfill all your wishes.  Rest In Peace dear brother and one day I will see you, Carol, Mom and Dad in Heaven

Father John and my mother, Betsy Bassett, were best of friends. Mom lived two floors below Father John at the Regency Highland. They were great company for each other and had many fun times together. When my mother passed away in February 2012, Father John co-officiated her funeral in Cape May, New Jersey. Through our shared grief and our numerous trips to the condo, my husband, Jeff, and I became very close to Father John. Every other night, we would meet in our condo for a cocktail and conversation before heading out for dinner; our favorite restaurants being The Gazebo, Le Rivage, and Bistro Provence. We always had a wonderful time and a lot of laughs.

One night, in particular, stands out above the rest. We were celebrating Jeff‘s 50th birthday at Bistro Provence. At the end of the night, the restaurant locked the doors and threw an impromptu private party for us, including wine, cake, song, and dance. Obviously, our regular waitress had a “crush” on Father John. She never knew he was a priest.

We really miss Father John; our trips to the condo will never be the same! As he would always end our phone conversations, “God bless!”

We love you!

Debby and Jeff Rights


I met "Heek" when he was  a young pastor at St. Mary's Parish in Paterson New Jersey.  That was over 55 years ago when I was a teenager.   He married me and my wife Ellin and we always remained friends throughout the years.  We both will miss his humor, brashness and love.  Knowing him was an honor and he will be missed dearly.   Ellin and Tom Antonucci

  Outgoing and gregarious, yet unassuming.
  Known to me, only as "Uncle John" for more than fifty years, a friend and mentor.

  Few people knew he had two Graduate Degrees and studied at the Vatican during the time of Pope John Paul II. A rare man who would have been as comfortable with Locke and Descartes as he was with the waiter at his favorite "eye"talian restaurant.
Cheers!

Uncle John was known as "Unc" at the Goetz house in Sioux City. He would visit regularly, but the best times were when he came in the summer and we'd all go to Lake Okoboji. He'd say mass on the coffee table in the living room at the cabin and the rest of the day would be spent having fun in the sun. He loved getting a deep tan! He was especially close to Brian and they would go on RAGBRAI (The Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa) and they would stop at my house in Cedar Falls. Now, John didn't ride a bike, but rather he was in the sag wagon, enjoying every stop along the way. He was so much fun! The thing I most appreciate about John was his spiritual guidance when deaths came to our family. I felt especially close to him when sharing grief. Godspeed, John. I will miss you.   Love, Paula

May Jesus welcome Fr. Heekin into his heavenly arms. He always called on “Moses” as a favorite expression of his which I’ll always remember with a smile. May our holy priest and very dear 
friend Rest In Peace.

May Our Lord ease your grief and lessen your sadness with the many sweet memories held deeply in your hearts. We are truly saddened with this great loss to our parish family. Father Heekin’s  wit and kindness will always be remembered. We pray that he now rests in peace in the heavenly kingdom with Brian & those who went before him. Our deep condolences are with all of you at this time of great loss. 
We shared Jersey ties to Villa Walsh and Seton Hall University(Pirate#1&2) for many years making lasting memories.  We will sorely miss him.

My husband David met John Heekin about 50 years ago....they remained good friends       Fr. Heekin married my husband and I at SS Cyril & Methodious Church in Clifton in 1967....he baptized all 4 of our children....in fact 3 of them he performed the baptism in our home   it was so wonderful   

David assisted Fr. Heekin when he was pastor....being the accountant for the parish    

So many years....so many memories......the funniest      one night at dinner at our house, our oldest son (then about 4 or 5) told Fr. Heekin  when I grow up I will be a priest.....asked why...he said    don't you get to keep all that money in the collection basket????   



OBITUARY

Fr. John Michael Heekin

September 19, 1937 – July 1, 2018

Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens

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