Paul M. Heffern, Sr.

Paul Michael Heffern, Sr. age 79, of Toledo, OH passed away Thursday, August 3, 2017. Paul was born September 2, 1937 in Toledo to the late Paul and Evelyn Heffern. He attended Gesu School, Central Catholic High School, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1960 from the University of Toledo. Paul started his professional career with Parsons, Brinkerhoff, Quade, and Douglas Engineering. He moved to Northern California in 1961 to work for the Federal Highway Administration, and was part of the engineering design team that built Gold Lake Road in Bassetts, California. Paul returned to Toledo, Ohio and married the love of his life, Rosemary Scott on May 31, 1964. He enjoyed a close relationship with his in-laws, Neufio and Rosemary Scott, which was very special to him. Together they were blessed with two sons, Paul, Jr. born in 1965 and Michael Anthony born in 1968. The family moved to Clifton, Virginia in 1970 where Paul continued working for the Federal Highway Administration. In 1975, the American Concrete Pipe Association hired Paul for the position of Director of Technical Services in Columbus, Ohio. Paul was also the Managing Director of the Ohio Concrete Pipe Association. Paul was the Chief Engineer at Independent Concrete Pipe Company from 1988 until his recent retirement. Paul received numerous awards during his 55 years of proud service as a professional engineer recognizing him as an expert in design, manufacturing, and installation of reinforced concrete pipe. He was a recipient of the Richard C. Longfellow Award recognizing outstanding professional achievement in 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1998. Paul was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE), the American Concrete Pipe Association (ACPA) the Water Environment Association, and many other industry related associations. He was a member of ASTM serving on the ASTM C-13 Committee since 1978 as well as on many other subcommittees. He was awarded ASTMs Award of Merit in 1997 and with that came the title of Fellow. Paul was honored to receive the Frank J. Hejer Memorial Award on September 13, 2011 with many of his peers and colleagues in attendance. Paul authored and contributed to several publications throughout his career including Concrete Pipe Design Manual, Concrete Pipe Installation Manual, The Design Data Series Manual, and the Concrete Pipe Information Series. Real estate was a lifelong passion of Pauls. He owned and managed many properties within the Toledo area. Designing, building, and maintaining structural integrity was paramount. Paul enjoyed interacting with his tenants- a smile, your word, and a firm handshake were of the utmost importance to him. Paul was an engineer by design, the standard was perfection, humility and teamwork. His charismatic brilliance, knowledge, work ethic, and love for people made everyone around him better. Paul was a man of deep faith and trusted in God daily. He understood the significance of time. Paul adored his family and always believed in doing whats right. He became a grandfather in 2003 when Rosemary deVre Heffern was born. Rose is the love and light in her grandpas eyes. Paul loved animals, especially bulldogs, which he had many of throughout his life. His love of automobiles came from his father Paul, who with Ray Caldwell, established Ray Caldwell Motors in 1930 in Toledo. The dealership sold Ford, Chrysler, Volkswagen, MG, and Jaguar. Paul had a true love for the water and enjoyed spending time at his Lake Tahoe, NV property with his family. He felt the magnificent beauty found there was even more significant because youre 7000 ft. closer to Heaven. He shared his love of speedboats, motorcycles (both dirt and street), and Jaguar sports cars with his sons, who were the focus of his life. Paul is survived by his sons, Paul Michael and Michael Anthony Heffern; daughter-in-law, Meshia deVre; granddaughter, Rosemary deVre Heffern; and siblings, Raymond Heffern, Mary (Floyd) Kwiatkowski, Christine Therrien, and Johnny Heffern. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary; brother, George Heffern; and sister, Barbara Cheuvront. Visitation will be Friday, August 11, 2017 at Gesu Catholic Church, 2049 Parkside Blvd. Toledo, OH from 9:00am until Mass begins at 10:00am. Interment will follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Gesu Catholic Church or to the American Diabetes Association. The Walker Funeral Home assisted with arrangements, 419.841.2422.