Honor Ron Heebner’s Legacy

Senate Resolution No. 477 BY: Senator AKSHAR MOURNING the death of Ron Heebner, former Broome County Legislator, astute businessman, and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly mourn the death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who distinguished themselves in their profession and in service to their community; and WHEREAS, With deep regret this Legislative Body records the passing of Ron Heebner of Johnson City, New York, on Monday, February 4, 2019, at the age of 79, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and endeavors contributed so much to the quality of life in his community; and WHEREAS, Ron Heebner was born to the late Gilbert and June Heebner on December 1, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; up until the day he died, he remained a diehard Eagles fan; and WHEREAS, After high school, Ron Heebner earned his bachelor's degree in history and political science from West Chester State University; he also received the distinction of Certified Graduate Remodeler (CGR) from the National Association of Home Builders, and was one of four in Broome County to graduate from the Dennis A. Pellietier County Government Institute through the New York State Association of Counties; and WHEREAS, Ron Heebner began his long and distinguished career as a copy kid with the Christian Science Monitor in Boston, Massachusetts; he then became a salesman for Scott Paper Company, and later, joined Pat Cummiskey & Son to learn the remodeling business; and WHEREAS, After several years, Ron Heebner started his own successful business, Ron Heebner and Company, located in Johnson City, New York; in this capacity, he enjoyed meeting with his customers and helping them update their homes; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to his profession, Ron Heebner held the title of President of the Southern Tier Home Builders and Remodelers Association, and was active on its Board of Directors for 15 years; he also served on the Government Affairs and Codes Committee, and was Editor of its monthly newsletter; and WHEREAS, For 25 years, Ron Heebner was a vital member of the Broome County Chamber of Commerce, and was President of the Johnson City Rotary Club; for his steadfast and unremitting commitment to his community, he was named the 2008 Rotarian of the Year and shared the 2014 Davis College Philanthropy Award with his wife; and WHEREAS, Ron Heebner strongly believed that each and every child should have a dictionary; through the Johnson City Rotary Club and the Elks, he diligently worked to ensure every single third grade student had a dictionary of their own; he took great joy in this endeavor, and always made time to personally hand the new book to each student, addressing them by name; and WHEREAS, Most recently, this remarkable man served his community as a Broome County Legislator with the same tireless work ethic he gave to everything he did; he truly loved every part of being a Legislator, especially meeting and talking with his constituents; he kept informed, made sure he knew the issues, and was always willing to work with his fellow Legislators to get the job done; and WHEREAS, A man of tireless energy, Ron Heebner never stopped working for his community; he could often be found tending to the gardens in the local parks with a smile on his face, and took great pride in making his beloved community of Johnson City a great place to live, work and play; and WHEREAS, When he was not working or helping someone, Ron Heebner enjoyed spending time with his family and fulfilled a dream of his by earning his pilot's license; and WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and June; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Steve and Sophie; and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stephen and Barbara, Ron Heebner is survived by his wife of 47 years, Patti; one brother, Gary (Diane) and their children, Richard, Rebecca and Jonathan; one sister, June (Bob) and their children, Jannette, Christine and Erin; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ray and Adrian, and their children, Renee, Heather (Tim) and their daughter, Autumn; several nieces and nephews, Chris (Gina) and their daughter, Nicole; Tim (Tina) and their children Allison, Tanner and Ashley; and Tracy (Tom) and their children Molly and Abby; and many cousins, as well as his rescue dog, Noelle, who would follow him everywhere; and WHEREAS, Johnson City has lost a great man who deeply loved his family, his city and its people; a devoted husband and friend, respected as a pillar of his family and community, Ron Heebner's name is synonymous with character, dignity, intellect, depth and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Ron Heebner, former Broome County Legislator, astute businessman, and devoted member of his community; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Ron Heebner.