Frederick James Heagy

Born in Pittsburgh to the late Frank and Beatrice (Martini) Heagy, Fred grew up in a time and neighborhood where everyone knew each other and kids could play outside until sundown. A lifetime Pittsburgh sports fan, Fred graduated from North Hills High School, where he was active in their award-winning marching band and orchestra and from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in biology. Immediately after college, he started working with the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Department (Gypsy Moth Project), then transferred to the Department of Air Quality (DEP) where he spent 35 years, retiring as District Supervisor for the Greater Harrisburg Area. Along the way, he worked together with great people who made an impact on his life, including Barry Towers in Forestry and current Commonwealth Secretary for DCNR Cindy Adams Dunn.

Fred loved volunteering and worked with the Boy Scouts of America as Cubmaster and Scout Master for Pack/Troop 594 in Middletown, helping many young men to earn their Eagle Award, and served on the Union Canal District Board. He was also an active volunteer with WITF, the IUP Alumni Association and the Dauphin County Library, spending many days and nights answering phones, driving his favorite sports figures to events, or sorting books.

The Arts held a special place in Fred’s life. He performed with local theaters (where he met his wife), enjoying the role of John Dickenson in “1776” the most. Fred was the Folk Choir director for IUP and for Seven Sorrow Church in Middletown but finally found his niche with the Susquehanna Folk Music Society (SFMS). Serving on their Board of Directors, Fred was happiest playing at Fort Hunter jam sessions with his fellow musicians but also finding new talent for their Coffeehouse Concerts and sponsoring concerts at various venues.

Fred leaves behind many family and friends to mourn his passing, including his wife of 49 years, Lois (Baker) and, in his opinion, his greatest achievement, daughter Teresa Jean (the Poot), along with his sister Dolores and brother Dave (Mary), numerous cousins, nephews and nieces and friends from Florida to England and beyond. The family especially thanks the staff of Homeland Center in Harrisburg for the loving care they have given Fred for the last two years of his life’s journey.

A Celebration of Life Concert and Hooley will be held by SFMS at a time and location TBD. Donations in memory of Fred can be made online to the Susquehanna Folk Music Society at https://www.sfmsfolk.org/info/donate_form.html or by mailing a check to SFMS 185-326 Newberry Commons Etters PA 17319.