Obituary of Walter Patrick Heady

Walter Patrick Heady of Callicoon Center died peacefully at his daughter's home on Wednesday, November 20, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89. The son of Walter Patrick and Emma M. Bezovski Heady, Walter was born on September 15, 1924, in Perth Amboy, NJ. He grew up in Teaneck, NJ, and graduated from Teaneck High School. His excellence as a pitcher and hitter in the North Jersey Baseball League led to an offer to play with the NY Giants farm team. Walter declined the offer and instead enlisted in the Armed Guard of the United States Navy, proudly serving in World War II from 1944 to 1946. Walter studied at Delehanty Institute and later worked in various mechanical drafting and engineering positions. In 1955, he began a 35-year career at Hoke Inc. of Cresskill, NJ, where he retired as Chief Draftsman. Walter applied his technical know how to his personal pursuits and was truly gifted at antique refinishing, stained glass, and fine woodworking. Walter was a jack-of-all-trades and spent long hours tinkering in his workshop. He immortalized the life of his family through the eye of his camera, and his talents on the guitar and harmonica inspired his family's love of music. Walter was an accomplished bowler, often throwing 600 series, and he enjoyed lifelong friendships with his teammates. Walter met his true love Elizabeth "Betty" Widmer while vacationing with friends at Breezy Knoll Acres in Greene County, NY. He was a loving, caring, and devoted husband to Betty for 54 years before she predeceased him in 2011. They raised three daughters in Northvale, NJ, and eventually retired to their home on Lake Anawanda in Callicoon Center, NY. Walter was an adored father and grandfather who took great pleasure in watching his grandchildren's musical performances and basketball games. Walter created lasting memories with neighbors, family, and friends with his smile, laughter, and wonderful sense of humor. Walter is survived by his three daughters: Patricia Haelen and her husband, Terry of Otisville, NY, Susan Gallagher and her husband, Tom of Old Tappan, NJ, and Laura Heady of Rosendale, NY; six grandchildren: Caden, Brady, Anabelle, Emily, Ashley, and Jacob; and many loving cousins. Visitation will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, November 25th at St. Anthony's RC Church located on Paris Ave. in Northvale, NJ, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Interment will be at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery in Shandaken, NY. The Heady Family would like to thank the staff of Community Hospice of Bergen County for their care, compassion, and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Hospice, 105 Fairview Avenue, Westwood, NJ 07675. Arrangements are under the direction of Herbert C. Bryant Funeral Home, Livingston Manor, NY; for further information, please call 845-439-4333 or visit www.colonialbryantfuneralhome.com.