David S. Heckard, Jr.
February 16, 1945 – January 20, 2022
David S. Heckard, Jr., 76, of Mechanicsburg, died at home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, January 20, 2022. Born February 16, 1945 in Harrisburg, he was the son of the late Betty (Rodkey) and David S. Heckard Sr.
David was a graduate of Mechanicsburg High School, Class of 1963, where he was a talented athlete who made letters in basketball, football, and track and field. He spent six years in the PA’s 28th National Guard Division. He pursued a career in building materials sales, working for Morgan Distribution and John H. Myers until his retirement. David’s life, however, revolved around family and sports. He coached the Mechanicsburg Midget Football Association Chiefs for many years, coached with Cumberland Valley Football, and spent much time coaching his children and others in many other sports including baseball, soccer , wrestling and softball.
David was as enthusiastic about watching and attending sports as he was about coaching. He was a regular at Cumberland Valley Wrestling matches and was active in Booster Club and fundraising for many years. He was an avid Penn State fan and also enjoyed trips to Villanova to watch his son play football. In his spare time, David enjoyed golfing and was a life member of the Mechanicsburg Club where he enjoyed playing cards regularly. Most important to David, however, was the role he played as husband, father and grandfather. He was an endlessly devoted provider and role model and loved the time he could spend with his family, especially his granddaughters.
Surviving is his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Lois E. (Humer) Heckard; his son, David S. Heckard, III and his wife Casey; his daughter, Taryn J. Heckard; his granddaughters, Emma and Samantha Heckard and Mataya Putt; his brother, Barry Heckard and his wife Deb; his sister, Sheryl Ann Godley and her husband Jim; as well as many nieces and nephews and countless friends whose love and support throughout David’s life was so deeply appreciated by his family. David’s family would also like to express their thanks and love to Brendalee Colvin who provided nursing care to David throughout his illness and endless support to the family.
There will be a visitation from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 27 at Malpezzi Funeral Home, 8 Market Plaza Way. A celebration of David’s life will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 28, preceded by a visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
To sign the guestbook online, go to www.malpezzifuneralhome.com
Published by Carlisle Sentinel on January 22, 2022.