Obituary of Steven A Heft

Steven A. Heft of White Township, NJ passed away suddenly at home on February 16, 2023. He had celebrated his 70th birthday surrounded by family and friends a few weeks earlier. Born January 28, 1953, in Phillipsburg, NJ to the late Richard and Elizabeth "Bette" (Henderson) Heft, Steve grew up in Hampton and Glen Gardner, graduating from North Hunterdon High School in 1971. After a brief stint with New Jersey Bell, Steve spent over 40 years in the truck parts business, first at J&C in Annandale and later for over 30 years at Jim Flynn's Truck Repair in Glen Gardner. Upon the owner's retirement, Steve kept the place going with his partner Kurt Hunsicker as S&K Truck Parts. Nearly every single independent trucker in Northwestern New Jersey knew Steve, liked him, trusted him. Steve was the center of a huge, sprawling family and leaves a great many loved ones: his devoted wife Ann (Troy); three children: Bryan Mannon and his wife Laurie of Perkasie, PA; Scott Mannon and his wife Jennifer of Washington and Katie Wellech and her husband Michael of Lincoln Park, NJ; four grandchildren, Alexis, Kelcie, Jackson and Logan; brothers, Richard Heft Jr. and his wife Roseanna, Jeffrey Heft and his wife Ria, and Jason Cahill; sister Jennifer Schwartz and her fiancé John Dumschat; sisters-in-law Lorraine Sellitto and Marion Fazekas and her husband Fuzz; and literally dozens of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews. Steve was also pre-deceased by his first wife, Anne Walker Heft, after 33 years of marriage in 2010, and will be missed by her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews. He could fix the car and install a drop ceiling. He loved Howard Stern and Benny Hill. He could deep fry a turkey like no one else. But what Steve's life was most about was work ethic, family and sports. He worked seven days a week for years to support his young family and set an example that will never leave his children. He played, taught, coached or watched every sport there is over the years. Steve was an original Mets fan, all the way back to 1962, and still caught every game he could. He watched more NASCAR than anyone ever should. He was an excellent bowler, tossing his first 300 game in his 60s, a fine poker player, winning multiple casino tournaments, and a mediocre golfer who loved playing whether he shot 120 or 90. But his favorite sporting events were whatever his kids played, whatever his nephews played, and later whatever his grandkids played. Family was always first, always his truest passion. Not just the children and grandchildren, the brothers and sisters, but a huge extended family that included acting as a second or surrogate father to scores of his kids' friends. There was no "step", no "half", no "not really related". All were family, all were welcome, and all were accepted and loved. Steve's generosity was infinite, and he was counted on by everyone. His loss leaves a void that can't be filled. He had friends from high school that he still spent time with. He had friends from work, friends from bowling, friends from his kids' relationships and friends of unknown origin. Steve faced his share of adversity, from a serious car wreck as a teenager, to open heart surgery in his 40s, to the loss of his first wife. His kids certainly didn't make things easy on him. He never let it turn him bitter or angry. He was never deceptive, never mean, never condescending. He was lucky enough to fall in love again later in life, and he and Ann were happily married for the last 4 years, spoiling grandchildren like it was their job. They deserved more time together. Much more. Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:30 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. A Service celebrating Steve's life will follow at 6:30 in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Steve's name to the Deborah Heart and Lung Center at 200 Trenton Road, Browns Mill, NJ 08015. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.