Rick Heffley

Nags Head- After a long illness, Rick Heffley of Nags Head, died peacefully on March 23, 2012 at the Outer Banks Hospital.

Soul mate and husband of Cindy Heffley (Rader), Rick was born on October 26, 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The son of the late Richard and Olive Heffley, he grew up in Brigantine, New Jersey where he fell in love with the ocean and surfing. Rick served in the United States Marine Corps. During the Vietnam War. His service took him around the world on many voyages before ending up at the National Security Agency.

After service to his country, Rick moved to San Diego, California where he attended Grossmont College and San Diego State University for performing arts before returning to the east coast and New Jersey. He held many jobs throughout his healthy years and enjoyed surfing and fishing, as well as playing guitar and performing in local theater. After a short stay in Rock Hall, Maryland, Rick relocated to Nags Head in 2008.　 No longer able to work, Rick spent many hours reading and reminiscing and sharing words of wisdom to those around him.  His sense of humor and warm smile helped those around him forget the severity of his illness.

In addition to his devoted wife Cindy, he is survived by his brother Lewis Kleinow, sisters Mary Jiacoppela and Barb Thomas, his daughters from a previous marriage, Lauren and Kaitlyn, two grandchildren, mother-in-law Doris Rader, sister-in-law Debbie Aument, and brother-in-law Gary Rader and his family. In addition to his mother and father, he was predeceased by his brother Freddie Kleinow. He will be missed by his three feline children, Marcy, Punkin and Billy who kept him entertained during his last few months at home.

Sometime in the near future, at Rick’s request, his cremated remains will return to the ocean where he spent the most memorable years of his life while surfing, sailing and serving aboard ships. Memorial donations may be made to Feline Hope, P. O. Box 893, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949.

Condolences to the Heffley family may be expressed via the on-line register at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.