Rev. Joseph A. Heim

Reverend Joseph A. Heim died at Maryknoll. N.Y., on June 20.  A funeral and burial was held in New York.  There will be a visitation Saturday July 8th at 10:00 AM followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00am at St. Katherine of Siena Church in Wayne, PA.  

Father Heim is survived by his brother, Matt, and many nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews who loved his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.  He was greatly admired for his lifelong work of helping others. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Marie (nee Heide) Heim; his siblings Mary F. Wallace, Sr. Christine Marie IHM, Charles G. Heim III, and Rev. Donald V. Heim.

Born in Washington, D.C. on April 21, 1933, Father Heim grew up in Wayne and then entered St Charles Seminary.  He was ordained in 1961.  When Cardinal Krol asked for volunteers for the missions in South America, Father Heim accepted.  His mission assignment was in Venezuela where he served for 35 years and where he joined the Maryknoll Fathers.  In the U.S. he assisted in parishes in Newtown and Phoenixville, Pa., and El Paso, Texas.

He was a devoted priest who was committed to social justice and addressing the spiritual and material needs of his parishioners and others with whom he worked.  He was the author of several books, including "What They Taught Us: How Maryknoll Missioners Were Evangelized by the Poor" and his memoir, "Transformation: The People and Events That Changed the Thinking of a Priest."  He loved his family and never forgot a birthday, despite a long list of card recipients.  He enjoyed golf, was an avid reader, an astute bridge player, and kept his friendships throughout his life.  He was loved and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice or to:

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 305, Maryknoll, NY 10545 - https://maryknollsociety.org/