Wayne Gordon Heim

Wayne Gordon Heim passed away peacefully at the age of 85.  He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 50 years, Bonnie Pearce Heim.  In addition to his wife, Wayne “Pop” is survived by his two sons Brad Jennings (wife Laura) Heim of Medford, NJ and Jeffrey (wife Corinne) Heim of West Chester, Pa; four grandchildren Ryan (17), Logan (10), Reese (9) and Aiden (7); and his siblings Donna Koontz, Budd (wife Karen) Heim and Brenda Fondarvest. Also survived by his two brothers-in-law, Ron (wife Becky) Pearce and Don (wife Jody) Pearce as well as many nieces and nephews.

Wayne was born on April 21st, 1932 in East Prospect, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of the late Jennings and Alice Heim.  He was an all-around athlete, and after graduating from Red Lion High School he was scouted to play baseball for the New York Giants.  His dream of playing baseball in the Major Leagues was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War where he served as a Military Police Officer.  He returned to Minor League Baseball for 2 more years then decided to pursue his education at West Chester State University.  He graduated with a B.S. in Health and Physical Education and continued on to earn his Master’s Degree at Temple University.

Wayne spent over 32 years teaching and coaching at Haverford High School.  He started the Adaptive Physical Education department and was an inspiration to many student athletes. Wayne was later inducted into the Haverford High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.  He had a tremendous presence on the sidelines and on the baseball diamond. 

Wayne’s coaching didn’t stop at Haverford, as he was very involved in his sons’ athletics.  Pop could often be seen in the backyard having a catch with Brad and Jeff.  He attended all their football and baseball games and was a constant presence through-out their lives.  No one was more proud of his boys than Pop. 

Wayne loved to travel with Bonnie, his family and close friends.  He especially enjoyed his cruises, visiting the West Coast, and summers in Maine and Stone Harbor, NJ with family.  Many of his favorite times were spent sitting on the deck overlooking the bay, drinking iced tea and relaxing in the sun. 

He was such a kind and caring Pop-Pop.  Nothing gave him more pleasure than being with his grandchildren.  He spent his later years laughing, sharing desserts, doing puzzles and playing with them.

Always a couple – Wayne and Bonnie did everything together.  Active members of Calvary Lutheran Church for over 40 years, they could be seen at Sunday services sitting in a pew with Wayne’s arm around Bonnie’s shoulders.   Their love is eternal and admired by all who know them.  Wayne will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to join us in a celebration of his life on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New Street, West Chester, Pa 19382, with family receiving from 9:00-11:30 A.M., with a church service following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Wayne to Calvary Lutheran Church, 730 S. New Street, West Chester, PA 19382.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181. www.DellaFH.com