A funeral mass was held March 27 at St. Aedan’s Church, Jersey City, for Reverend Edward J. Heavey, S.J., Chaplain to the Saint Peter’s College Alumni Association for the past 17 years, and rector of the College’s Jesuit community since 2004. He passed away March 23 at the Compassionate Care Hospice in The Atrium at Hamilton Park, Jersey City. He was 79 years old. Rev. Heavey dedicated his life to enriching the lives of others. “Relationships, formed in the 1970s when Father Ed was the College’s Dean of Students, remain strong to this day,” commented Saint Peter’s College President, Eugene J. Cornacchia. “Long after they graduated, alumni continued to seek his counsel.” Born in Jersey City, Rev. Heavey joined the Society of Jesus in 1947. After studying philosophy and earning a Master of Divinity degree in theology, Rev. Heavey taught Latin and English at Saint Peter’s Preparatory School, Jersey City, leaving for positions at Woodstock College in Maryland and Xavier High School in New York City. In 1972, he began his long and devoted career at Saint Peter’s College, much of it directing all ten departments of Student Life. For all of his years at the college, Rev. Heavey was the moderator of the Irish Club, marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade annually. During these years, he was also recognized for his leadership skills, often acting as a consultant to other institutions. In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees for Saint Peter’s College, Rev. Heavey served on the Boards of Fairfield University in Connecticut, Loyola University of New Orleans, Visiting Homemakers of Hudson County, and Hudson Hospice. Active for many years in the Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators, eventually serving as its president, Rev. Heavy was honored with an award describing him as “a man who sees God in all people.” In 2004, Saint Peter’s College recognized Rev. Heavey with an Honorary Alumnus Award for his many years of dedication, compassion and boundless energy, officiating at countless weddings and christenings. Rev. Heavey was the last of four siblings, Rev. Jim Sr., Margaret and Mary. He is survived by many cousins and friends. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.
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