John Heist

John Russell Heist, age 85, passed peacefully on January 29, 2025. Visitation will be at 1 pm, followed by a service at 2 pm on February 8th at Canton Funeral Home, 10655 East Cherokee Drive, Canton, GA. At a later date, a memorial will be held in Northport, NY, and details will follow.

John was an absolute gentleman, who was an extremely dedicated husband, father, grandfather, co-worker, and friend. He was kind to everyone, enjoyed people, and always tried to leave them feeling better than when he greeted them. His quick-witted sense of humor was enjoyed by all. 

He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joyce, for 66 years. They had an amazing love story admired by many! He was the father of Bonnie Sue, Russell John, and Holly Heist. Beloved Grandfather (“Papa”) to Alyssa Lentz, Brittany Bensch, Jonathan Clarisse, and Jesse Clarisse. Great grandfather to Jude, Jonah, and Emma Clarisse. He is survived by his brother, Edward Heist, and sister, Helen Goltl. His sisters Beth & Patty pre-deceased him.

John was born in Denver, Colorado, and came to the Northport area as a teenager, where he lived and worked with his Uncle Willie. He loved Northport so much that he never moved back to Colorado. He was a New York City Ladder 124 firefighter in Brooklyn, NY for 20 years, where he drove the “Tonka” truck as well as fighting fires and saving lives. John lived in Northport until 2019, where he served as a volunteer firefighter and on the rescue squad at the Northport Fire Department for total of over 50 years. He served as 1st & 2nd Engine Company Lieutenant as well as Captain, and was the 1995 Firefighter of the year. His brotherhood with the firemen he worked with in both locations continued all throughout his life. He also wintered in Florida and spent his last 4+ years in Canton, Georgia. 

He was a bagpiper in the Northport Pipe & Drum band, and marched in many parades. He loved music, especially classic country. On any given day, he was either whistling, humming, or singing.

He attended the grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s school plays, concerts, and sporting events, cheering them on, and videotaping or photographing them.

He had the best sense of humor, and was almost always smiling. He was always willing to lend a hand, and would offer his help even when his body would no longer allow it. He was very loved, he meant so much to so many, and will be dearly missed. 

In lieu of flowers, John had requested that donations be made to the Northport Volunteer Fire Department, 204 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768.