Dennis Joseph Heins

Mr. Joseph Heins, 93, of Barefoot Bay, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 20, 2022 in Sebastian, Florida.

Joseph was born in the Bronx, NY to the late Nicholas William Heins and Sara Frances (nee Farrington) Heins.  He and his beloved wife Katherine Helen Haggerty Heins became winter residents of Barefoot Bay 32 years ago while retaining their home in Madison, CT.

A huge sports fan and very talented athlete, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Braves baseball team upon graduation from high school.  Upon completion of his first year in the Braves farm system he was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War.

After completing his military obligations and receiving an honorable discharge, Joseph began working as a firefighter for the New Haven, CT Fire Dept.  He served the city for 30 years rising to the rank of Battalion Chief.  Joseph had a second career, he also worked as a Master Mechanic at Sears & Roebuck, again retiring after 30 years of service. 

Joseph was of the Catholic faith and a communicant of St. Sebastian Catholic Church.  He was a member of the City Point Yacht in New Haven, an avid fisherman, golfer and talented musician.

He loved spending time with Katherine, his children and grandchildren on his boat “The Two Bagger”, fishing, swimming, while making many memories.  Being an avid history buff, he loved to entertain us with his many stories and was unbeatable at trivia.  He also loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sport event and recitals.

Survivors include his wife Katherine Helen Heins of Barefoot Bay, sons Gary (Carol) Heins of Wallingford, CT, Thomas (Shelley) Heins of Orange, CT, Ronald Heins of Northford, CT, Robert Heins of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Anthony (Kim) Tomasi of Sebastian, FL, and thirteen grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Irene Heins and a daughter-in-law Jacqueline Heins.

A Mass for Joseph will be celebrated at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, Florida at a later date.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Louis Church, 89 Bull Hill Lane, West Haven, CT at 10 am on April 9, with full military honors.  Interment will be private at St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven, CT.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Rd., Irondale, AL  35210.

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