Van Christopher Heffernan, 69, of South Weymouth, Massachusetts, passed away on October 21, 2026, at Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, and quiet dedication to the people and communities he loved.

Born on November 24, 1956, Van grew up in Rockland and graduated from Rockland High School. He enjoyed playing softball and hockey with his brother Johnny and began working while still in high school. After working at the Quincy Shipyard, he joined the United States Postal Service in 1987, serving as a postal carrier in Rockland and Abington for 35 years. As a shop steward for the Postal Union, he was a passionate advocate for his fellow workers. Following his retirement, he enjoyed traveling to Europe and Iceland with his sisters Barbara and Johanna and his brother-in-law Leo.

In 1991, Van married the love of his life, Michele, at Holy Family Church in Rockland. Together, they built their home in South Weymouth and raised their two sons, Christopher and John, who were Van’s greatest pride and joy. A loving and devoted father, he took immense pride in Christopher’s service as a Weymouth city councilor and John’s career as a teacher.

Van was an active member of the Abington Sons of the American Legion, the Rockland Historical Society, and served as vice president of the Rockland Senior Center. He generously gave his time to these organizations and helped raise funds for their causes. He and Michele could often be found volunteering together at the meat raffles at the Abington American Legion.

Van’s greatest passion was history, particularly family genealogy and the history of Rockland. He spent countless hours researching and sharing stories about the people and places of the past. Through a private Facebook group he created for his family, he helped preserve their shared history and connect generations through the stories of those who came before them.

Van leaves behind his beloved wife, Michele, and their sons, Christopher and John. He is also survived by his siblings, John Heffernan and his wife, Angela, of Carver; Barbara DeCourcy of Rockland; Johanna Sanchez and her husband, Leo, of Peachtree City, Georgia; Maureen MacDonald of Middletown, Connecticut; Ann Arnold and her husband, James, of Braintree; his brother-in-law Allen Welk of Canton, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by Michele’s extended family and his many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Jeanne Heffernan, and his sister, Elaine Welk.

Van leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, service, and a deep appreciation for the stories that connect us. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 11:00am at the United Church of Christ in Abington, 10 Bedford Street, with Rev. Dr. Kristy Coburn officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church from 10:00 to 11:00am to offer their condolences. Burial will follow at Holy Family Cemetery in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Van’s memory may be made to the Weymouth Food Pantry, 40 Reservoir Drive, Rockland, MA 02370, or online at www.weymouthfoodpantry.org.