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Lester Heffner Obituary

Lester E. Heffner; passed away surrounded by his son and daughter on December 10th, 2020. Lester was the youngest son of the late Albert and Ella Heffner.
His greatest loves were his family and teaching physics. The love of his life, Anne predeceased him in 2000, leaving a gap in his life, but his granddaughter was born that year bringing joy. His family was always with him, and once grandchildren were in the picture he was never too busy to spend time with his 3 grandchildren, whether it be basketball at 6:30 AM, just chatting and listening to what was going on in their lives, taking them to an amusement park or out for ice cream.
From his grandson, Tony: As the oldest grandchild, I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time with my grandfather Lester Heffner. One of my favorite memories was when I would stay for a week during summer break and make the trip to be with him in Pennsylvania. I would always get so excited about spending time with him and for good reason - he spoiled me dirty rotten. Whether it was bowling one day or miniature golf the next day, he always wanted to see me happy. That was always the thing that stood out to me - he was truly selfless and his love shined through for all of us that knew him. I still remember calling him before he got too sick and he would always answer the phone “Ohhhhh Hi Tony” with his voice full of excitement to talk with me. He had a remarkable combination of qualities - loving, caring, and kindness - that was highly evident to those who had the opportunity to meet him. He will be greatly missed and I can only hope to be as special as he was.
From his grandson, Matthew: Grandfather was a loving man whose top priority was always us. I remember the years of my childhood where I would spend the weekends at his home, where we would play and pick blueberries together from the garden. My favorite time of the year was when the family would go to the beach in the summer, and grandfather would join us making memories that I cherish now more than I ever have. Grandfather was always there to help us when times were hard, and it was because of him that I grew up as fortunate as I did. Most of all, I remember his profound strength of character, putting the needs of family, friends, and even strangers before his own. I hope I can be half the man he was in my own life.
From his granddaughter: Hannah: A grandfather to 3, he adored them all with his whole heart making it obvious just how much he loved all of them. He frequently had them over for sleepovers, bowling, and ice cream forming fond memories for both him and his grandkids. With a camera on him constantly, there was plenty of moments to capture. There wasn’t anything he wouldn't do for his grandkids, whether it be a simple movie night or a trip to the toy store and he loved every second of it.
After being out of school for 10 years, he started college at Kutztown State College, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960. Able to make usage of the National Science Foundation Grants, he pursued and achieved a Master’s Degree in Science from Purdue University in 1969 (attending courses in the summer). His teaching career started at Quakertown, leading to Ephrata and finally retiring from Wilson, spanning 28 years. While teaching Mathematics, Chemistry, Physical Science and Physics, hands down Physics was his favorite. He always found interesting ways to engage the student; one student remembers a slinky being used to teach a concept.
Lester was there for his sisters and brothers as well… one particular memory is helping his youngest sister achieve her nursing degree.  Lester is survived by his sister, Laila Heffner (age 98, on her way to 100), his daughter, Mary and her husband, Michael and their son, Tony and his son Paul Heffner and his wife Caryn and their two children, Hannah and Matthew and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was an active member of the Hope Lutheran Church, in Reading PA; as well as an avid crossword puzzle player, gardener, bicyclist, bowler in the senior leagues at Hiester Lanes, and a baker; taking up baking bread after retiring from Wilson.
He will be missed… a Celebration of Life ceremony is planned for late Summer/Fall, depending upon COVID-19. And a Special Call Out to Brian Ritz for all he did for Dad, we couldn’t have done it without you!! You are warm and caring person. Arrangements will be posted on the Feeney Funeral Home website. Arrangements entrusted to John P. Feeney Funeral Home, Inc. 625 N. 4th Street at Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, 610-372-4160.

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