Father Edward F. Heintzelman, 76, who served as pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish in Mays Landing for nearly 20 years, has died.
The longtime shepherd, who retired in 2023, died May 20.
A viewing will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on May 26 at Saint Vincent de Paul Church, 5021 Harding Highway, Mays Landing. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow, at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Mays Landing.
Father Heintzelman was born April 19, 1950, in Atlantic City. The beloved son of the late Edward and Florence (nee Capelli) Heintzelman, he grew up in Margate and attended Blessed Sacrament Grade School and Holy Spirit High School (Class of ’68). As a proud alumnus of Holy Spirit, he was a generous supporter of the school. He went on to serve as a trustee and was honorably inducted into the Spartan Hall of Fame in 2017.
He studied at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Darlington, N.J., and was ordained a priest of the Diocese by Bishop George H. Guilfoyle on May 25, 1984, at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Margate.
From 2005 until his retirement, Father Heintzelman was pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish. He took great pride there in the oversight and building of both a new church and rectory – from design through construction.
Prior to Mays Landing, he was pastor of Saint Catherine of Siena, Clayton (2000-2005).
He was parochial vicar at Saint Mary, Williamstown (1984-1988); Saint Joseph, Sea Isle City (1988-1993); Saint James, Ventnor (1993-1996); and Holy Saviour, Westmont (1996-2000).
Father Heintzelman was predeceased by his brother Leo. He is survived by his sisters Linda Gesell (William) of Red Bank, and Eileen Stasuk (Richard) of Somers Point, as well as his brother Richard (Gabrielle) of Fair Haven. He is also survived by 21 nieces and nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tuition Assistance Program at Holy Spirit High School, 500 South New Road, Absecon NJ 08201.
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