Dennis J. Heffernan

Dennis J. Heffernan, a longtime resident of Gilford, NH and Salem, MA passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019.  Dennis and his first wife, Nancy (predeceased) raised two children, his daughter Stacey Heffernan and his son, Brett Heffernan (wife Dawn). Dennis leaves Brett’s children, his beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Ethan, and Riley; his brother, Dan; many, many cousins; and his wife, Stacie.

Dennis had a passion for life and although sick for many years, he engaged in life, every minute of every day.  He grew up in Beverly, Massachusetts and enjoyed a childhood that included spending summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, swimming, boating, and listening to bands at Weirs Beach. He was all things to all people - a great father, an advocate for the disabled, a vocational instructor, a talented employee, a Cub Scout leader, and a wonderful husband. He retired from GE after 40+ years in the aircraft engine industry, spending the majority of his career leading a manufacturing group working on stealth technology.

Dennis was an avid collector of model trains and he even acquired his own, full size, maintenance of way train (speeder). He enjoyed riding it on the rails with members of the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club (Wolfeboro, NH). He took his train on excursions in different states, ranging from West Virginia to Northern Maine.

Dennis travelled all over the world. He enjoyed meeting different people and embracing different cultures.  When not traveling, he loved being at the lake, on his boat. When not boating, he could often be found building things in his workshop or perfecting his model train layout.  He deeply enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren at his house on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Dennis’ family thanks the entire staff at the Lahey Clinic and the York Hospital for their care and compassion.  The family will be sitting Shiva at the home of Brett Heffernan on Tuesday, June 25 and Wednesday, June 26 from 4-8 PM, at 15 Arrowhead Circle, Rowley, MA 01969.  A celebration of life Mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 29, at St Raphael's Church, 6 Whipple Road, Kittery, ME. A private burial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations can be made to the Gerety Kerrigan Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 513, York Beach, ME 03910. Lucas & Eaton Funeral Home, York, Maine. Visit www.lucaseatonfuneralhome.com

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