Harry James Heck, 90 of Savannah, GA formerly of Easton, PA and Doylestown, PA passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 24, 2020. He was born on April 24, 1930 in Easton, to the late G. Harris Heck and Lillian (Wesley) Heck. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his bothers G. Harris, Jr. and Robert W. Heck.
Harry was educated in the Easton Public School System, at Lafayette College (where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity) and at Eckels College of Mortuary Science. After college, he joined the family business, the Heck Memorial Home in Easton, but this part of his career was interrupted by the outbreak of the Korean War. Harry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, received his training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX and completed Air Force radio training school at Scott Field, IL. Following his training, he was assigned to the occupation forces in Germany. The end of hostilities in Korea coincided with the end of the occupation and after 4 years, Harry returned home to Easton where he met his wife, the former Nancy Moss and they were married in 1955. Harry returned to the family business, receiving his funeral director’s license in 1956.
Harry left the family business and joined McNeil Laboratories (part of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies) in June of 1959 as a territory representative and progressed in multiple managerial positions. He was promoted to Executive Director of Sales in 1976. Harry’s career spanned 33 years with McNeil when he retired in 1992. Harry was active in multiple churches throughout his life including St. John’s Lutheran Church in Easton and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Doylestown. Harry and Nancy retired to the Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah. He and Nancy, together, enjoyed a busy retirement. He loved to golf, sail, fish and travel abroad. He and Nancy especially enjoyed exploring North America in their RV with his beloved English Springer Spaniel, Maggie, in tow.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Nancy; three daughters: Amy Gheysens (husband Edward, Jr.) of Pittsgrove NJ, Elizabeth DeMaioribus (husband James, Jr.) of Morristown, NJ, Karen Innes (husband David) of Horsham, PA; and six grandchildren: Katherine, Stephen, Lauren, Nicholas, Samantha, and Christine.
Services for family only will be held 1 PM Monday (Nov. 2) at the Historic Easton Cemetery Chapel, N. 7th St., Easton. Masks and social distancing will be observed. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton, PA is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Operation Homefront, San Antonio TX, the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, the Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Savannah. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Moss Anne
October 28, 2020 at 12:43 pm
We will always miss Harry and the fun time we spent with the Heck family…Enjoy the heavenly seas , sailing with Bill💕
Steve Morris
October 28, 2020 at 12:54 pm
My sincere condolences. Harry was my regional manager for many years with McNeil and mentor. Such a great man.
Steve Morris
Mike Carroll
October 28, 2020 at 4:00 pm
I will always be grateful for the many things I learned from Harry. He was a rare combination of wisdom and common sense. Saddened by his passing.
Frank Hunnes
October 28, 2020 at 4:11 pm
Nancy please accept my deepest sympathy. Harry was a true gentleman and I always enjoyed the opportunity to share his company and counsel. He was very instrumental in the development of so many of us at McNeil. He will be truly missed by all.
Kim Huff
October 28, 2020 at 7:19 pm
Beth, Jim, Lauren and Nick,
We are so very sorry to hear of you dad and grandpa’s passing.
Even though you are not together any longer, he will always be with you <3
With love ,The Huff's
Linda Ness
October 28, 2020 at 10:32 pm
My family relocated to Doylestown, PA in 1978. We had the pleasure of being neighbors for many years. I will never forget Mr. Heck coming over that very first day to welcome us to “Foxcroft”. He had just dropped Beth off at college. He promised he’d introduce me to when she came home. Beth is one of my feared friends today. Thanks Harry for keeping your promise..
Love to you all during this tough time.
Linda
Cheri Moss Starr
October 29, 2020 at 11:44 pm
Uncle Harry – I will love and miss you always – so many memories of spending time with your family. Thankful for you giving me a GREAT start in life at McNeil….. I look forward to sailing the heavenly seas with you and Pop someday ….. have fun til then♥️
Bob Tanner
October 30, 2020 at 5:08 pm
I was really sorry to hear of Harry’s passing, we both started with McNeil as Detailmen in the mid 50’s but did not meet each other until many years later. It was a privilege to know him as a co-worker and friend. My condolences to his family. The best advice he ever gave me was, “If you are making a martini and run out of Vermouth, a little dash of Scotch will do the trick!” Rest in Peace Harry.
Bob Tanner
Dianne Rohr Devine
November 2, 2020 at 1:27 am
Dear Karen, Dave, & Family,
Rob & I are deeply sorry for the passing of your Dad, Father In Law.
May He Be at Peace & Your Forever Angel in Heaven.
With Love,
Dianne Rohr Devine & Family