James E. Heffern, MD, 70

James E. Heffern, M.D., 70, of Conestoga died on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Lancaster General Hospital.  He was born in Washington, D.C. on January 31, 1938 to Joseph Lawrence and Helen (Rollenfeld) Heffern.  Dr. Heffern married Mary Rose Flaherty on June 15, 1973 and they looked forward to celebrating his 35th wedding anniversary this year.

Dr. Heffern received both his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1960 and his Medical Degree in 1964 from Georgetown University.  Board Certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, he completed his residency at George Washington University in 1967. 

Dr. Heffern has served as the Medical Director of Millersville University for the last 25 years.  One of his great joys in life was treating and caring for the students, faculty and staff of Millersville University.  Despite battling pancreatic and colon cancer in recent years, Dr. Heffern continued his work at Millersville University until a week before his death.  Prior to joining Millersville University, Dr. Heffern had served as the Medical Director of Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and owned a successful private medical practice in Alexandria, VA for a number of years.

Dr. Heffern was a devoted husband and father and, in addition to his wife, he is survived by his four children: Joseph R. Heffern, Esq., married to Heather L. Lockner, D.O., Helen M. Coupas, married to Kevin E. Coupas, Ann E. O’Connell, married to Eric N. O’Connell, and James E. Heffern, Jr.  Dr. Heffern was also a loving grandfather to five grandchildren:  Elena, Joey, Elizabeth, Alex and Lexie.

Dr. Heffern loved intellectual challenges and books about mathematics and science.  When he was not doting on his grandchildren, he frequently could be found studying advanced calculus, organic chemistry or quantum mechanics in his spare time.  He also enjoyed walking on the beach in Ocean City, MD, watching the Sun rise over the ocean, and preparing gourmet meals for his family and friends.  In addition, he was an avid connoisseur of good food.

A life-long Roman Catholic, Dr. Heffern was a parishioner of St. Leo the Great Church in Lancaster. A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave. Lancaster on Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. A viewing will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 441 North George Street,  Millersville on Monday, from 6-8:00PM and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10-11:00AM.