David “Jerry” Heckman

Born in Meadville, (Crawford Burrough) Pa. February 17, 1933 the son of Charles and Florence (Johnston) Heckman .

A Veteran, Jerry honorably served with the United States Navy during the Korean War.

Jerry married the former Kathleen Chisholm in Meadville, Pa. May 4, 1957. Kathleen passed away April 18, 2014.

Jerry retired after nearly 40 years of service with the Railroad , he was a Conductor and a Brakeman . His employment had him working for different Rail Services throughout his career, he started with Erie RR in 1956 which merged with Delaware Lackawanna and Western RR to Erie Lackawanna Railroad . In 1976 Conrail was created and Jerry worked with Conrail until his retirement . After retirement Jerry and his wife moved to Brevard , NC , there they maintain many long lasting friendships and would make their way back to the New York , Pennsylvania area every year when their health permitted. Jerry had friends in the western New York area and in Pennsylvania that he remained in touch with up until his death.

Survivors include his wife the former Rosemary ( Kuusisto) Heckman. They married on December 27, 2015 and although they had a short time together brought each other much happiness , love and companionship , they enjoyed traveling ; Jerry enjoyed showing Rosemary his old stomping grounds in New York and Pa. and introducing Rose to his NY/ Pa family and friends . Jerry enjoyed meeting Rose’s family and friends in North Carolina as well. They created a large blended family . Jerry is also survived by his 3 sons; David A. Heckman of Jamestown, NY , Douglas B. (Luann) Heckman of Gowanda and Timothy S. Heckman of Lexington S.C. Grandchildren ; Brian (Kimberly Collignon) Heckman and Kimberly (Joe) Shull along with 2 great grandson’s Gavin Whitcher and Drew Shull (Joes son) all of Gowanda. Nieces and nephews survive .

Jerry is also survived by Rosemary’s children ; Rosa( late David) Lance, Charlie (Dorene) Whitmire, April,(Steven) Chandler, Mamie (Tim) Mathis, Rachel(James) Pruitt and Kandie (Scott) Baynard. Rosemarys grandchildren Liza, Eddie,Kayla,T.J., Van, Morgan, Lauren , Sharon , Sarah, Brook, Timothy, Mitchell, Katie and Jenny Great grandchildren Moana and Robert Lance, Aeris Marsden, Adam , Havana ,Arianna, Lucas and Blaze Whitmire, Lauren(Austin) Newman, Sharon(Alex) Mathis, Sarah (Donnie) Ridings and their daughter Emily, Brook, Timothy, Mitchell Pruitt and Katie and Jenny Baynard.

Besides his parents and his first wife Kathleen, Jerry was preceded in death by a son Charles Joseph Heckman (1967) a brother Robert Heckman (2015) and a sister Margaret ( 2020) (late Ken) Weber(1978)

A family funeral with full military honors will be held Friday January 26, 2024 at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St. Gowanda . With interment to follow in the Perrysburg Cemetery where Jerry will be laid to rest next to his late wife Kathleen .

Memorials , if desired may be made to a local charity of ones choice .