Heaney, John, San Francisco Chronicle, January 31, 2010

Heaney, John

San Francisco Chronicle
January 31, 2010

Monsignor John Patrick Heaney Passed away on January 29, 2010 surrounded by family and friends at the Nazareth House in San Rafael, CA. Monsignor Heaney was born on January 17, 1928 in San Francisco, CA. He was the youngest of six children born to Patrick Joseph and Nora Bridget Heaney.

He attended St Paul's grammar school, followed by the seminary and was ordained on January 25, 1953. He started his service to God at St. Agnes in San Francisco. He then was a teacher and athletic coach at Sacred Heart High School in San Francisco. This was followed by obtaining his Masters degree at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. He was then assigned to Marin Catholic where he was a teacher, athletic coach and Dean. This was followed by becoming the Pastor of St. Rita's Church in Fairfax, where he instituted and developed his popular Super Bowl pool and PARTY. His last assignment which he held for years was as director of the Apostleship of the Sea in San Francisco.

In addition to all his duties, for over 35 years he was the catholic chaplain of the San Francisco Police Dept. 1C 35. He was the recipient of many awards and honors including the San Francisco Police Medal of Valor and the San Francisco Police Uniform of 5 Stars. He also served as chaplain of the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators for 34 years. He was the recipient of the Association's most prestigious honor in 2006 with the Roger Goad Award for his universal commitment to the law enforcement community and his dedication to the members of IABTI and their families. During the most difficult days after September 11, 2001, he flew to New York to render guidance and support to police, fire, and military agencies in the field as well as being an invaluable resource of comfort to the families of "First Responders".

Monsignor Heaney is survived by his sister Mary and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. Friends may visit Monday February 1st from 1:00pm - 2:30pm at Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael where a Rosary will be held at 1:30pm. Friends may also visit after 5:30pm Monday at St. Paul Church at Valley and Church Sts, San Francisco where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00pm. The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00am at St. Paul"s. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. All those who knew and loved the Monsignor are invited and encouraged to attend a reception to celebrate the life and unlimited contributions he has made at 1:30 pm following the funeral mass at the Irish Cultural Center. If desired, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or to Nazareth House, 245 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903.