Steven D. Heckman, 68, passed away Friday (November 12, 2021) at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
Mr. Heckman was born on December 16, 1952 in Hornell to Seymour D. and Paddy (Shirley) Heckman. He was a 1971 graduate of Greenwood Central School and later attended Alfred State College and Alfred University. On July 11, 1981, he married Marcella Ann “Marcy” Davis, who survives.
Steve worked as a heavy equipment salesman for LC Whitford Company, Inc. in Wellsville for 25 years, retiring in 2019. He, along with Garret Stephen, then formed a partnership called Iron Listing in Shinglehouse, Pa. where they acted as heavy equipment dealers and brokers.
Along with his wife of 40 years, Steve is survived by his son, Justin B. (Lindsay Dunn) Heckman of Rexville; three brothers, David Heckman of Greenwood, Randy (Bridget) Heckman, and Timothy (Amy) Heckman both of Rexville; one sister, Pamela Mueller of Greenwood; three sisters-in-law, Allison Raykovitz of Andover, Cynthia (Daniel) Flurschutz of Wellsville, and Mary (Jay) Straight of Andover; a brother-in-law, Tom Davis (Don Bowie) of Andover; three grandchildren, Jaylee Heckman, Josie Heckman, and Harper Stroman, all of Rexville; two uncles, James Heckman and Howard (Carolyn) Heckman, Jr., both of Jasper; two aunts, Donna LaValle of Batavia and Helen Lundt of Rome; and Tim Whitesell, who was like a son to Steve; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Steve was preceded in death by an uncle, George Heckman; an aunt, who he regarded as a second mother, Bernice Osmin; and a brother-in-law, James Mueller.
Steve enjoyed his work and liked the busyness of the demands of his job, which he was good at. Though it took him to various parts of the world, he never lost sight of home. At his core, he was a family man. He knew he was married to the love of his life and the promises he made on his wedding day were what motivated him in every aspect of his life. Marcy often accompanied him on his international sales trips to places like Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Jamaica, and the Bahamas. Together, they traveled many parts of the lower 48 states, exploring such places as the wonders of Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, North and South Dakota, California and Colorado; mixing business with pleasure. On more local sales calls he often included his dear fur babies, Leah and Quill and Newt (both now deceased). Somehow, they always knew when he was getting ready to leave and let their master know they wanted to go too.
For a lazy day, Steve liked to tour the backroads in the area, just enjoying the scenery and the companionship of whoever he had riding along which often included his grandchildren. He enjoyed the times at the “Hooterville Camp” in Rexville playing cards with his siblings and friends. He made the best beef brisket, seasoned with his magic dust which he supplied to the family reunions to be savored by all. The July 4 celebrations were the highlight of his year as these always included the Andover fireworks, where they watched from their porch.
In recent years, Steve and Marcy happily played the part of snowbirds, wintering in Lake Wales, FL. Having been with her since they were high school sweethearts, Steve truly felt that he had married the love of his life. He was deeply devoted to Marcy and cherished their relationship.
Steve was a member of the Alfred Masonic Lodge, Lake Wales (FL) Order of Moose, and he also served the Andover community as the Village Judge for the past 20 years. He considered himself a political junkie, keeping up on the latest in politics.
Friends are invited to visit on Friday (November 19) from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The funeral service will be held on Saturday (November 20) at 11:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church in Andover. Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to Allegany County Cancer Services, 100 South Highland Avenue, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Andover Fire Department, PO Box 714, Andover, NY 14806. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.