Reverend Robert G. Heffernan

March 21, 1938 ~ May 26, 2022

Reverend Robert G. Heffernan, 84, of Hamden, entered eternal life on May 26, 2022 surrounded by friends and family. Father Bob, as he liked to be called, was born in Derby, CT. He was the son of the late Daniel J. (former principal at Derby H.S.) and Josephine Connor Heffernan, and brother to Daniel P. Heffernan (Helen) and the late Phyllis M. Feeney (Frank). Father Bob loved his family and was proud of their accomplishments. He was a special uncle on his brother’s side to Daniel A. Heffernan (Patricia) of Montgomery, NY, William F. Heffernan of Newburgh, NY, Mary T. Morton (R. Wyn) of Brewster, MA, Margaret A. Cusick ( James) of Southport, NC, Thomas P. Heffernan (Elizabeth) of Edenton, NC, and Michael J. Heffernan (Marianne) of Southbury, CT, and on his sister’s side to Francis Feeney, DMD of Wilbraham, MA, Mary Pacelli, Esq. (Phil, DMD) of New Canaan, CT, and Daniel J. Feeney, MD (Andrea R., MD) of Shreveport, LA. You can be sure “Uncle Bob” was very involved in the religious life of all his nieces and nephews and their 16 children. A very special thanks to Father Bob’s faithful friend and devoted servant of God, Stanley Borawski, who retired from St. Joan of Arc Church after 32 years. His help and support were truly a blessing to Father Bob over the years. Father Bob and Stan will be best remembered for their performance of Abbott and Costello’s “Who’s on First.” Father Bob, originally a NY Dodgers fan, became an avid Mets fan and was very excited about this year’s team. Father Bob attended St. Mary School in Derby, Derby High School, and after one year at Fairfield University he answered God’s call to the Priesthood. He attended St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, CT and completed his studies at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD. He was Ordained to the Priesthood on May 23, 1963, the Feast of the Ascension. Interestingly he completed his mission on earth on May 26, 2022, the Feast of the Ascension. After his ordination Father Bob served the Family of God at St. Patrick Church, Farmington (19631969), St. Francis Church and School, New Haven (1969-1983), St. Paul Church, West Haven (1983-1987), St. Joan of Arc Church, Hamden (1987-2003), St. Elizabeth Church, Branford and St. Clare Church, East Haven (2003-2006), St. Stephen Church and School, Hamden (2006-2013) and then on to retirement as a Senior Priest on June 30, 2013. His life as a priest was filled with many accomplishments: Youth Groups, Priest Director of St. Francis School, Chaplain of Knights of Columbus, Ecumenical Affairs, Cerebral Palsy Group, and Chaplain of Partnership’s Adult Day Care. He brought Variety Shows to his parishes and enjoyed being part of the acts. He built additions to the church for CCD Classes. He enjoyed celebrating the Television Mass and he officiated at many marriages. When he was out on the town it was not unusual for couples to call out, “Father Bob, you married us 30 years ago and we are still together.” God must be joyful to have him Home. Father Bob fulfilled his life’s dreams. Only a few days before his passing he celebrated 59 years in the Service of God. Friends and parishioners may visit TUESDAY from 4-7 P.M. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden, and attend a Mass of Christian Burial there Wed. at 11 A.M. Burial in Mt. St. Peter’s.