Walter D. Heffern

Walter D. Heffern, 83, of Utica, passed away at 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the Grove City Medical Center.Born April 28, 1936 in Canal Twp., Walter was the son of the late Emory C. and Lillian McKay Heffern. On July 9, 1960, he married Janet Snyder, who survives.Walt was a US Air Force Veteran having served during Peacetime. Prior to his retirement in 2004, he worked at Neuman & Esser USA Inc., and Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company as a Pattern Maker.He was a member of the Polk Presbyterian Church where he served as an active Elder and Trustee. He was a member of Franklin Myrtle Lodge #316, the Oil City Lodge of Perfection, and the New Castle Consistory, and was a 33rd Degree Mason. Walt also was a member of Polk Borough Council, the Franklin Area School Board, and the Utica VFD. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing and gardening, and especially cherished the times spent with his family.In addition to his wife, Janet, Walter is survived by his 3 sons, Brian K Heffern and his wife, Mieke, of Franklin, Scott D. Heffern and his wife, Lisa, of Polk, and Matthew S. Heffern and his wife, Mia, of Gilbert, AZ; and his daughter, Jennifer D. Kochis, and her husband, David, of Cranberry Twp.He is additionally survived by his 8 grandchildren, Amy Heffern of Pittsburgh, Sarah Kochis, Samantha Kochis and Sydney Kochis, all of Cranberry Twp., Madison Heffern and Mark Heffern of Gilbert, AZ, Patrick Born and his wife, Robin, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Jason Born of Germany; and his great-grandchild, Wyatt Born, of Virginia Beach, VA.Walter is also survived by his 4 sisters, Kate Lincoln of Wooster, OH, Helen Deeter of Florida, Alice Brink of Cooperstown, and Lois Baker of Daytona Beach, FL.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 3 brothers, Gordon Heffern, Willard Heffern and William Heffern; and his half-sister, Mary Lee Jett.A Memorial Service for Walter will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at the Polk Presbyterian Church with Rev. Larry Myer, Pastor of Polk Presbyterian Church, and The Rev. Claire Megles, Kindred Hospice Chaplain, co-officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Utica/Polk VFD, the American Cancer Society - P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, and or the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard - PO Box 137, Franklin PA 16323, and/or to the charity of one's choice.To send cards or online condolences, family and friends are invited to visit www.gardinierfuneralhome.com.