Rev. A. Joseph Heffernan

Deceased: 2022-01-18

Diocese: FRESNO

CSM Graduation Year: 1971

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February 1, 1938 – January 18, 2022

Fr. Joe Heffernan was born February 1, 1938 to Andrew J. and Mary K. (Hurley) Heffernan in Chicago, Illinois. Fr. Joe’s parents and grandparents were South Dakota pioneers of Irish ancestry. He enjoyed family reunions in Milbank, South Dakota.

He also enjoyed a year studying in Rome and traveling in Europe. He managed to visit ancestral homes in Ireland and a number of Irish friends. Fr. Joe loved all the parishes he served. The staff and parishioners, many of whom became close and dear friends. Parishes served by Fr. Joe include: St. Aloysius, Tulare; St. Anne’s, Porterville; St. Francis, Bakersfield; St. Mary’s, Taft; St. Anne’s, Ridgecrest; St. Joseph’s, Los Banos; Holy Rosary, Hilmar; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bakersfield; St. Therese, Fresno; Holy Spirit, Fresno; and St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, Fresno.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Mildred and his nephew Pat Sheridan. He is survived by his sister, Fran; Pat’s family; niece, Peggy Carlson, nephews, Joey and Danny Sheridan and their families, numerous cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 1, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at The Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at The Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Priest Retirement Fund, c/o The Diocese of Fresno, 1550 N. Fresno St., Fresno, CA 93703-3788