Rev. Thomas A. Heffernan, Retired Colonel, United States Air Force, 73, died on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie.
Born in Brooklyn on May 28, 1936, he was the son of Michael and Kathleen Garvey Heffernan.  Father Thomas was ordained on June 3, 1961 in the Brooklyn Diocese and served at St. Gerard's Church in Queens.  On October 7, 1964, he entered the United States Air Force where he proudly served as a Chaplain for 15 years and a Staff Chaplain for 8 years.  During that time, he attended Air Force Chaplain School, Air War College and the Air Command and Staff College. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Force Long Term Tour Ribbon, as well as many other awards.  Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1988, Father Thomas served as the Chaplain of St. Clare's Hospital in Sussex, NJ and then as the Chaplain of St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie for the last 10 years.  During his time in Dutchess County, he often celebrated Mass at St. Martin de Porres Church.
Father Thomas is survived by his brother, Rev. James F. Heffernan (Ret.Col.,US Army) of Poughkeepsie; his sister, Kathleen Reilly of Wappingers Falls; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.  He was predeceased by his brothers John and Michael Heffernan.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 9:00 a.m. at St. Martin de Porres Church, 118 Cedar Valley Road, Poughkeepsie followed by interment in Calvary Cemetery with military honors.