Obituary of William R. Hearn

William Raymond Hearn, 91, formerly of Canajoharie, died from pneumonia on Saturday afternoon, September 26, 2009, at Unity Hospital in Rochester. Mr. Hearn had been residing with his daughter and family in Rochester for the past 5 years. He was born March 1, 1918, in Savannah, New York, the youngest child of Michael Edward and Julia Quinn Hearn. Mr. Hearn graduated from Savannah high School in 1936 where he excelled in basketball and baseball. In 1942, Mr. Hearn enlisted in the United States Army, attending Officer Candidate School in 1944. In 1946, he was honorably discharged as an Infantry Captain. Mr. Hearn spent over 25 years working for Beechnut, primarily as a Regional Manager. Committed to his community, Mr. Hearn was a past president of the Fort Rensselaer Club and was an active communicant of St. Peter's and Paul's Roman Catholic Church. He also portrayed George Washington in the 1976 Canajoharie Bicentennial, and served on the Canajoharie Falls Cemetery Board. A devoted family man, Mr. Hearn passed away on the anniversary of his marriage in 1942 to his beloved wife, Doris K. Hearn. Their union lasted almost 45 years until her death in 1987. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Martin, Robert, Bernard, and Mary Alice Hearn. His loving family includes his five children; Laura Brad Nitzsche of Springfield, MO, Amy Herb Dewyea of Rochester, NY, Katherine Tad Ingram of Orlando, FL, Michael Jody Hearn of Lake Barrington, IL, and Patrick Jeanne Hearn of Keene, NH. "Pop-Pop" Hearn is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, October 1st, 2009 at 10 o'clock at St. Peter's & Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Canajoharie with Rev. James Clark as celebrant. Interment will follow in Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 from 4 until 7 at the Lenz & Betz Funeral Home, 69 Otsego Street, Canajoharie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Special Olympics of New York, 504 Balltown Road, Schenectady, NY 12304, in honor of Matthew, his grandson.