Francis A. “Hecky” Heckman – 96, of North Reading, formerly of Rockville, MD and PA, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, August 7, 2020.
He was a kind, humble and loving man who was devoted to his family and to his Lord and Savior. He was married to his beloved wife, Hisako “Saki”, for 66 years and loved her with all his heart. He was both a man of faith and a scientist who explored the boundaries of faith and science, writing essays about these explorations and declaring his faith in God.
Born in Schuylkill Haven, PA, he graduated from high school there, and later served in the Army Air Corps (predecessor to the Air Force) until 1947 and was a veteran of World War II. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry at Lebanon Valley College, and his Master’s in Biology at George Washington University, he took at job in Boston. He has lived in North Reading for the past 60 years. He was a member of the school committee from 1963 to 1970 and served on the board of the Citizen’s Scholarship Fund.
Before retiring in 1986 from Cabot Corporation in Billerica, he was an electron microscopist and research scientist. He was a founding member and the first president of New England Society of Electron Microscopy.
He became a member of Trinity Evangelical Church in 1969 and served in many capacities through the years. Among them, he served as an Elder beginning in the early 80’s and in his later years was a member emeritus. In his role as an Elder, he especially loved visiting the sick and elderly and encouraging them in their faith. He was also the Moderator for many years. For as long as he was able, he loved to be a greeter on Sunday mornings welcoming people with a warm smile and an encouraging word.
Besides his loving wife Hisako “Saki”, he is survived by his children, James Heckman and his wife Ann Marie, Mark Heckman and his wife Brenda, Kathryn Anderson and her husband Kenneth and Jeffrey Heckman and his wife Lisa; grandchildren, Justin, Stephanie and Austin Heckman, Tammi and Mark Heckman, Chelsea Seapy and her husband Corey and Ian Anderson, Sarah and Jacob Heckman; great grandchildren, Kayla, Kiera, Troy and Liam. He was the brother of the late Mary Heckman and son of the late Leon and Katie (Long) Heckman.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, August 13 at the Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading at 10:00 AM (the service will be live streamed). Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 12, from 5 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Kidney Fund. https://www.kidneyfund.org/about-us/# www.croswellfuneralhome.com
Condolences Jim, Ann Marie and family. Prayers and may he Rest In Peace . Gina Costanza-Sanfilippo
Mr. Heckman was a gift to us all. An example of selflessness, wisdom, kindness and graciousness. We thank God for him. – Pattersons, North Reading
Jeff and Lisa , so sorry for your loss. My sincere condolences to your family .
My condolences to the Heckman family.
My condolences to the Heckman family. I remember him well, back in the 1960s at some point when he was attending the Union Congregational Church in NR, he came to speak to the youth group (I believe) about how he was both a scientist and a man of faith. He did a fabulous job of explaining his beliefs at a time when I had many questions about science and religion.
So sorry for your loss! Saying prayers and hoping that the comfort of our lord can help ease the pain.
Prayers to you Jimmy, Ann, and your extended family. Hoping all the memories of his life brighten your hearts forever. Cheryl (Graham)Condon
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family
So very sorry for your loss Jimmy and To Your Whole Family I send My Sincere Condolences God Bless You All
Condolences to the Heckman Family
Praying for you all as you celebrate his incredible life and faith. I hope you feel surrounded by love during this hard season.
So Very Sorry For Your Loss Jimmy, Ann Marie & Heckman Family. Sending Much Love, Thoughts, (((Hugs))) & Prayers To All❤❤❤❤❤❤Patty & Sibby❤❤❤
My condolences Kathryn to you and your family over the loss of your father. I didn’t know your father but I know you and the life, faith and love that was passed on to you. You are so blessed! His memories will live in you through life.
Dianne Howard
My prayers & love to the Heckmem family. I grew-up with your family at the Old First Baptist Church before I left for the Air Force in 1971
I was honored to know and love Hecky… he was always asking how my parents and sister were doing, and always showed God’s love, grace and mercy to everyone. I will miss him , but he is being told “Well done, good and faithful servant “ by his Heavenly Father right now
Mark and Christine
We sre sending our deepest condolences and prayers to Lisa , Jeff and Heckman Family. ❤
Love
The Lehane’s
Our Love & prayers through this difficult time. Ken & Nancy Dorothy
So sorry for your loss!!
Our love and prayers to the Heckman family. Hecky was such a wonderful kind and loving man. All the prayers he prayed for us and our small group at Trinity over the years. He was always there for us. His love for the Lord showed in all he did for everyone. He is truly missed.
Deepest sympathies to your family. He will surely be missed. We know he is praising God with Hallelujah right now. Amen. Don and Linda Fawcett
Condolences Jim, Ann Marie and family. Prayers and may he Rest In Peace. Your Father was a very accomplished man, god bless him.
I met Hecky and Saki 25 years ago at 1st Baptist / Trinity church. What a wonderful, kind and caring man of God! He was always encouraging . Smart yet humble. We could use more men like Hecky in this world. So happy that he is free now. I KNOW he has heard the words “Well done , good and faithful servant ❤️“. Saki, and family, wishing you God’s comfort and peace now and in the days ahead. Love Wanda
Our deepest condolences and prayers to your family. Lisa & Larry Ichimura
To all the Heckman family, he was the sweetest man and always there to listen. He is with Audrey and other church friends and most of all with the Lord and still smiling. God Bless all of you and especially Saki who made the pair perfect.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. We have the greatest respect and admiration for this kind and loving man, and were happy to have known him at First Baptist Church (now Trinity Evangelical Church) and also as a friend to our whole family. With much sadness, The Stacey Family – Howard, Janice, Carol, Barbara, David, and Sharon
I am so sorry for your Loss. Heck and Saki are my role models. My thoughts and prayers go out to all family and friends. I know he will be watching over you all and guiding you. Especially his beloved.