Matthew Heffernan, a Former Tinley Park Trustee, Dies

TINLEY PARK, IL — Matthew J. Heffernan, a former Tinley Park Village Board trustee who served for nine years, died Thursday morning, according to a village press release.

Heffernan is survived by his wife, Jenny, and his children, Lisa and Matt. No cause of death was given in the press release.

“Matt was a dedicated public servant and a good person,” Tinley Park Mayor Dave Seaman stated in the release. “He will be sorely missed. We wish his family well in these difficult times.”

Heffernan was appointed to the Village Board in 1998 to fill the seat vacated by Trustee Thomas BiBernardo. He went on to be elected to the position in 2001.

As a trustee, Heffernan chaired the Village’s Public Safety and Budget and Administration committees. He also was co-chairman of the Tinley Park Veterans Commission, vice chairman of the Tinley Park Oktoberfest and chairman of the Oktoberfest Parade.

A U.S. Marine who joined in 1966 and served in Vietnam, Heffernan helped start the Marine Corps Detachment 1217 in Tinley Park, and he was a past commander, as well as a past First District Commandant for the State of Illinois Marine Corps League and vice chairman of the Voice of Democracy.

Heffernan was a 1964 graduate of Mount Carmel High School and attended Fox Business College before joining the Marines. He also was an active member of St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr Church.

“Matt not only served Tinley Park admirably, but he also served his country, church and family,” Village Clerk Patrick Rea stated in the release. “Tinley Park is a better place for him having been a part of it.”

PHOTO: Matthew J. Heffernan (Image via the Village of Tinley Park)