MOUNT DESERT – Robert E. Heffner, 78, died Aug. 19, 2006, at his home. Bob was born Feb. 29, 1928, in Philadelphia, the son of William B. and Annie (Robinson) Heffner. Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 54 years, Virginia “Ginnie” (Liddie) Heffner of Hall Quarry. Bob attended LeHigh University in Bethlehem and graduated from Newark College of Engineering. He was an electrical and mechanical engineer for Alcoa Aluminum for 35 years, where he invented the easy open-end aluminum cans that we use today. Bob was a U.S. Air Force veteran during the Korean War. In 1988, Bob and Ginnie retired to Mount Desert Island after many family vacations. Bob was an elder in the Presbyterian Church and was a member of the Somesville Union Meeting House, where he was a trustee, deacon and choir member. Serving his church was his passion. Bob loved to build things. Throughout the years he built an organ, a boat and finished the interior of his home. He could fix practically anything and was always looking for the next project. Bob enjoyed serving his community and often volunteered for Island Connection, the Somesville Library, the Mount Desert Historical Society and Habitat for Humanity. He loved the Bangor Symphony, the Pierre Monteaux School and the Arcady. He and his wife enjoyed opening their home to musicians from all over the world. Bob enjoyed planning the many trips that he and Ginnie took together. In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by one son, Kenneth Heffner and his wife, Gail, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; two daughters, Ellen H. Rine and her husband, Steve, of Pittsburgh and Janet Heffner of Gainesville, Fla.; two AFS daughters, Mara Mori of Italy and Bojana Fox, formerly of Yugoslavia; one brother, Theodore “Ted” Heffner and his wife, Peggy, of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Andrew Heffner of Washington, Pa., Daniel R. Heffner and his wife, Janelle and Elisabeth Heffner, all of Grand Rapids, Mich.; one sister-in-law, Marjorie Heffner of Pinehurst, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. A service of remembrance will be held Sept. 3, at the Somesville Church with the Rev. Victor Stanley officiating. Memorial gifts may be made in Bob’s memory to Hospice of Hancock County, 14 McKenzie Ave., Ellsworth, ME 04605 or Somesville Union Meeting House, P.O. Box 96, Mount Desert, ME 04660. Arrangements are by Jordan-Fernald, 1139 Main St., Mount Desert.
ROBERT E. HEFFNER
