Fr. Edward J. Heavey, S.J., a member of the Jesuit order since 1947, passed away on Monday, March 23, at the Compassionate Care Hospice in The Atrium at Hamilton Park, Jersey City, N.J.
Chaplain to the Saint Peter’s College Alumni Association for the past 17 years, and rector of the College’s Jesuit community since 2004, Fr. Heavey dedicated his life to enrich the lives of others.
“Relationships, formed in the 1970s when Fr. Ed was the College’s Dean of Students, remain strong to this day,” commented Saint Peter’s College President Eugene J. Cornacchia. “Long after they graduated, alumni continued to seek his counsel.”
Born in Jersey City on February 25, 1930, Fr. Heavey joined the Society of Jesus in 1947. After studying philosophy and earning a Master of Divinity degree in theology, Fr. Heavey taught Latin and English at Saint Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City, leaving for positions at Woodstock College in Maryland and Xavier High School in New York City. In 1972, he began his long and devoted career at Saint Peter’s College, much of it directing all ten departments of Student Life. For all of his years at the College, Fr. Heavey was the moderator of the Irish Club, marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade annually.
During these years, he was also recognized for his leadership skills, often acting as a consultant to other institutions. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees for Saint Peter’s College, Fr. Heavey served on the Boards of Fairfield University in Connecticut, Loyola University of New Orleans, Visiting Homemakers of Hudson County New Jersey and Hudson Hospice (New Jersey).
Active for many years in the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators, eventually serving as its president, Fr. Heavey was honored with an award describing him as “a man who sees God in all people.” In 2004, Saint Peter’s College recognized Fr. Heavey with an Honorary Alumnus Award for his many years of dedication, compassion and boundless energy, officiating at countless weddings and christenings.
Fr. Heavey was the last of four siblings, Fr. Jim, Sr. Margaret and Mary. He is survived by many cousins and friends.
The wake will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2:00 – 9:00 p.m. and on Friday, March 27, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at McLaughlin Funeral Home, 625 Pavonia Avenue, Jersey City, N.J.
On Friday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m, there will be a viewing at
at St. Aedan’s Church, 800 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, N.J. The funeral mass will follow at 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Rev. Edward J. Heavey, S.J., H’04 Memorial Scholarship at Saint Peter’s College or to Hudson Hospice.