John W. “Mal” Heffernan, Sr., age 72, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2021 at Mercy South Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. He was born on Monday, January 17, 1949 in East St. Louis, IL, and was the son of the late Thomas and Louise (Grogan) Heffernan.
Mal is survived by his best friend, his wife of 35 years, Linda Heffernan of St. Louis, Missouri, and his four children, Jasmin Monroe of St. Louis, MO, John (Amber) Heffernan, Jr. of Jonesboro, AR, Conor Heffernan of Edwardsville, IL, and Trey (Haley) Heffernan of St. Louis, MO.
Mal never passed up an opportunity to be with his family, and loved being with his wife and children. As the years passed, his best title came as PawPaw, and he treasured all of his time with his grandchildren, Chayse Monroe, Kinley and Evelyn Heffernan, and Elias and Liana Heffernan, who all survive. Mal is also survived by his brothers, Michael (Diane) Heffernan of Millstadt, IL, Tom (Kathy) Heffernan of Williamsburg, WV, and Mark (Bonnie) Heffernan of Freeburg, IL, and several dear nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved granddogs, especially Mellie. In addition to his parents, Mal was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia St. Clair, nephew Daniel P. Heffernan, and brother-in-laws, Duane A. Loepker and Dale Loepker.
Mal never met a stranger, and could always be counted on for a good laugh. He was the former owner of “The Pizza Cellar” where he made many good friendships and family memories. He was also an ironworker for Local 392, and he worked as a pit boss at Alton Belle Casino. Mal had a kind soul and appreciated everyone he met. He was never one to judge, and he could find the good in anyone. He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and passed the love of the team down to his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by those who knew him, but his “Mal-isms” will always be shared.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Visitation: To honor Mal’s life, a visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home with Msgr. Bill McGhee officiating.
27 Comments To "John W. “Mal” Heffernan, Sr."
#1 Comment By Christy Halloran On July 12, 2021 @ 10:44 am
The entire Heffernan family is in my thoughts and prayers. Mal was a great guy, always welcoming with a huge hug! I’m sure he and Geno are having a great heavenly reunion!
The world is a little sadder at this loss, but your memories will carry you through. Share them with your little ones often to keep his memory alive!
#2 Comment By Ken Keeney On July 12, 2021 @ 11:47 am
RIP my friend.
#3 Comment By Patricia Jacqout On July 12, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
Mal was one of my favorite people! Love and prayers to his family.??
#4 Comment By Joe English On July 12, 2021 @ 12:17 pm
RIP,my friend. The world lost a great human being
#5 Comment By Janet Santen On July 12, 2021 @ 12:27 pm
My sincere condolences from the Tiernan family.
#6 Comment By Kathy & Bob Vallina On July 12, 2021 @ 3:08 pm
So sorry to hear about Mal. Deepest sympathy for Linda and the rest of Mal’s family. May his soul RIP. Say “HI” to Chetz for Bob and I. Mal will be missed.
#7 Comment By Julia Buser Welch On July 12, 2021 @ 3:21 pm
im sure Mal was part of the Post Street Gang that posed for our picture on your home porch steps in ESL a loooooong time ago. So sorry that another one is gone. My sincerest condolences to the family.
#8 Comment By Jan and Len Lally On July 12, 2021 @ 3:30 pm
Lenny and I were shocked and saddened by the news. Mal never failed to put a smile on our face are to come out of his way and say hello to us. A life well lived and a joy to be around.
#9 Comment By Georgia Dougherty On July 12, 2021 @ 6:01 pm
Our love, prayers and deepest sympathy to the Heffernan family. We are so sad to hear of your loss. Jack was a big part of my St. Pat’s days. He will be sorely missed.
#10 Comment By Michael & Patrick Parker Sperry On July 12, 2021 @ 7:44 pm
So sorry to hear of Mals passing to Linda and family we are so sad always to hear of loved ones departing please know that we are thinking of you during these most difficult times
#11 Comment By Margie And Steve Hemmer On July 12, 2021 @ 8:47 pm
What a gem with a contagious smile and personality to match! Rest In Peace my friend
#12 Comment By brian calhoon On July 13, 2021 @ 7:00 pm
Spent many years working on the Belle with Mal. If you weren’t laughing around Mal, you simply weren’t awake. RIP buddy!
#13 Comment By Steve Overbey On July 12, 2021 @ 10:29 pm
Simply a great man. I really enjoyed working with him at the Alton Belle casino. Saw him a few times at Busch Stadium or a local high school game and we would laugh, make jokes and cut up. He will be missed by many. RIP, buddy.
#14 Comment By Chris & Maggie Ludwig On July 13, 2021 @ 8:39 am
Mal was a one of a kind great guy. His infectious laugh was the best! RIP my dear friend. I’m sure Rich “Chetz” Vallina, Patrick “Red” Brennan and you, “Mal” are cracking up the Angels. Gone, but never forgotten.
#15 Comment By Doug and Jackie Lobstein On July 13, 2021 @ 9:19 am
I simply cannot find the words to comfort Linda, Jasmine, and the Boys. What a great man, who left quite a legacy. We’ll miss ya Mally
#16 Comment By Joe McBryan On July 13, 2021 @ 10:34 am
I loved his comments on the people we knew in the past. I can’t repeat them. Bet you didn’t know that Mal beat me at an athletic event: hula hoop in 4th grade. Miss you friend.
#17 Comment By PJ Cronin On July 13, 2021 @ 10:48 am
So sorry to hear this. He could make me laugh until I couldn’t breathe. My condolences to the whole family.
#18 Comment By Tony & Yolanda Joynt On July 13, 2021 @ 2:05 pm
To Linda and the whole family,
Yolanda and I wish to extend to you our sincere condolences for your
loss. Mal you was a good friend and au genuine nice person who will
be missed by those who were fortunate to know him. God bless him
and the whole family. He is in our prayers and you and the whole family.
#19 Comment By Steve and Gina Kernan On July 13, 2021 @ 5:22 pm
Linda and family,
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mal. He was truly a great guy. We still talk about our great times at the Pizza Cellar. We are sadly unable to attend Mal’s service due to Steve recovering from surgery. Please accept our condolences.
Steve and Gina Kernan
#20 Comment By Bill & Susan Thurston On July 14, 2021 @ 12:10 am
To all the Heffernan family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
#21 Comment By Bill & Susan Thurston On July 14, 2021 @ 12:14 am
For all the Heffernan family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
#22 Comment By Dan Westermayer On July 14, 2021 @ 5:49 pm
Thoughts and Prayers for the Heffernan family at this most difficult time.
#23 Comment By Gerry DeMarse On July 14, 2021 @ 7:39 pm
RIP Mal!! We miss ya bud!! Hope you link up with Dad up there and raise a little hell Mal!! Lov ya Mal!!! Thoughts and prayers to the Heff family; great family!!
#24 Comment By Stephanie Carraway On July 14, 2021 @ 9:35 pm
Condolences to the entire Heffernan family. You are in our prayers!
#25 Comment By The Hitchcock’s On July 15, 2021 @ 12:02 am
Our thoughts and prayers to the Heffernan’s. Mal was just a kind gentle soul who always seemed to have a way of seeing the bright side of things. His positivity was infectious. He will be missed.
#26 Comment By Tom Coyne On July 15, 2021 @ 10:43 am
Sorry I couldn’t make the wake. It would have been nice to see
Tom, Mark, Mike and Linda. Mal was a hell of a guy, he had a laugh
that no one could forget.
#27 Comment By Ralph Madison On July 23, 2021 @ 12:37 pm
Will be missed by me and my wife.