Raymond Thomas Heffernan, Jr.

Raymond Thomas Heffernan, Jr., 88, of Johns Island, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, August 1, 2025.

Born on November 7, 1936 in Elizabeth, NJ, he was the son of the late Margaret Theresa Heffernan (Taggart) and Raymond Thomas Heffernan.

Ray lived a full, rich life filled with family, friends, love, and especially laughter. He knew how to tease the best of us but also knew how to laugh at himself, especially in his later wheelchair-bound years. He was a miracle of modern medicine and openly bragged to his doctors about his medical history and how many surgeries he had, all with a twinkle in his eye.

Ray was the oldest of four children, and after the death of his father, he served as the family leader, advisor, and mentor for many years. One of his greatest joys was hosting a family party with good food, dancing, and children running around. If there was one thing that brought joy to Ray, it was spending time with children and young adults; every child was special to him and he loved learning about the plans, hopes, and dreams of every young adult he encountered. He loved his children dearly and supported (and bragged about!) every passion and interest they pursued.

Ray, a Roman Catholic of Irish descent, met his beloved wife Helen, the daughter of Greek Cypriot immigrants, and they began a courtship that can only be appreciated by watching the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” After the dust settled and they were married in 1961, they began a life together that would last until his passing. Ray and Helen led a life that was all about their children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins. They worked hard and enjoyed great restaurants, a trip to the racetrack, or a day at the beach. Their family fondly remembers summers at their beach house at the Jersey Shore, dubbed the “Do Drop Inn.” Ray also loved playing golf, owning racehorses, and playing cards with his buddies.

Ray graduated from St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, NJ, and went on to join the Army and serve in Korea. He was great with numbers, and after his honorable discharge, he worked in various accounting, management, and sales roles in manufacturing and other companies in the 1960’s and 1970’s. He then began the rest of his career as a small business owner. Ray embodied the true American entrepreneurial spirit of starting and owning businesses, working tirelessly and shrewdly to make them successful, and serving his community through his business. For 35 years, first in Naples, FL and then in Charleston, SC, Ray, Helen, and their son Raymond ran multiple successful furniture stores, the last of which was “Nearly New Furniture” on Johns Island. Through their businesses they formed lasting bonds with colleagues, friends, and the community.

Ray is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Heffernan, his mother Margaret Heffernan, his brother Joseph Heffernan, and his sister Mary Costa.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen Heffernan, of Johns Island; his sister Eileen Verlotti, of Marco Island, FL; his son Raymond Heffernan III, and his daughter Andrea Brisbin and her husband, Rick Brisbin, and their two daughters, Cassie and Cali, all of Johns Island.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 10, 2025, from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412. The funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00pm at McAlister-Smith. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Benedict’s Preparatory School (https://www.sbp.org/giving/ways-to-give) or the Dandy-Walker Alliance (https://dandy-walker.givingfuel.com/dandy-walker-alliance-inc). 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-814-8494.