William Matthias Heffernan

William Matthias (Matt) Heffernan August 13, 1971-November 22, 2021 With great sadness, the family of William Matthias Heffernan, of Clearwater. FL and formerly of Mansfield, MA announce his sudden death at the age of 50. He was the cherished son of William F. Heffernan and Diana Doe Varley. He had traveled to Downeast Maine to celebrate a “Chums in The Wilderness Thanksgiving” with his loving family including his father, Bill stepmother, Roz Charlestown, RI , aunt and godmother, Ann Sullivan .and aunt and uncle, Liz and Roland Botelho of Perry, ME, and cousin, Scott Sullivan and his wife Roxanne of Plainfield, CT, He is also survived by his mother Diana Doe Varley of Clermont, FL, and his sister, Erin Heffernan-Casbarro and her husband, Mike, and nephews Gavin and Mason Shirhall all of Vernon, NJ and his uncle David Heffernan and his wife Mary of Fridley, MN and his canine companion, Leyla (Puppy). He was predeceased by his brother, Brian Varley and his stepfather, Bob Varley. He graduated from Mansfield, High School and UMASS Amherst with a Bachelor’s in Communication. He also served in the US Coast Guard Reserve for over 10 years. He was a broadcast journalist in radio in both Worcester, MA, and Woonsocket, RI before he moved to Florida where he was employed as a Compliance/Safety Manager at Interstate Chemical. He was an avid sports participant and enthusiast having been a varsity baseball pitcher, a referee in several sports, and golfer in addition to enjoying several spectator sports. He had a great mind for details and chose happiness in the face of adversity and compassion and kindness to those less fortunate. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and community. A graveside service will be held 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Spring Brook Cemetery, Mansfield.