John A. Heppenstall

Jack was known to proclaim loudly, on every relevant occasion, “family is what it’s all about.” Preceded in death by his eldest daughter Beth, he is survived by his wife Susan Elizabeth (McDowell) and four children and “out-laws”: Deborah (& Alan) Evans of Wenham, MA, John Heppenstall of Duxbury, MA, Sarah (& Paul) Chudzicki of Concord, NH, Jennifer (& Chad) Caufield of Wenham, MA and Beth Davis Heppenstall of Duxbury, MA. Jack was perhaps most endeared to his beloved grandchildren: Andrew and Bethany Evans, Alexandra, Samuel and Robert Heppenstall, Conrad, Austin and Emma Chudzicki and Tyler, Karen and Adison Caufield. Jack was strong as steel on the outside but had a deceptively soft heart that he lovingly shared with his family throughout his life.

Jack was raised in Pittsburgh, PA, graduated from of The Asheville School in North Carolina and received a B.A. degree from Dickinson College in 1961. He was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity and a founding member of the Dickinson Squash Team.

A steel man through and through, the legacy of the Heppenstall Steel Company was a lasting source of pride throughout his life, as were the rest of his beloved family. Son of Robert and Katherine Heppenstall, Jack is also is survived by his brother Ned of Colorado, and sister Kathy of North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews – who never failed to make a lasting impression at every family wedding. Jack was predeceased in passing by his brothers, Bob and Charlie.

Without question, Jack’s favorite place was being “at the lake” surrounded by his family. Having spent 60 years enjoying summer life at Lake Winnipesaukee, there was no place he would rather have been then sitting is his favorite, well-worn rocking chair on the porch, “pinkie” in hand, reveling in the chaos of his children and grandchildren, while listening to his Boston Red Sox on the radio.

He was dedicated to serving his community and being of service to others. He was a loyal volunteer in the local soup kitchen, homeless shelter and Canterbury United Church of Church.

Jack’s family would like to acknowledge with gratitude all of the special people that lovingly cared for Jack whom he considered to be family.

We will honor Jack’s wish for a private celebration of his life with his family and close friends at his beloved cottage at Lake Winnipesaukee in June.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to: The Friendly Kitchen in Concord New Hampshire, Concord Coalition to End Homelessness and A Light for Zimbabwe, the non-profit founded by Jack’s wife Sue of whom he was so proud.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.BennettFuneral.com for the Heppenstall family.