Obituary of Rev. Daniel W. Heintz

     Rev. Daniel W. Heintz, 95, of Jamesville, NY passed away peacefully with family members by his side on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

     Affectionately known as Father Dan, he was born in Utica on August 18, 1928, a son of Daniel and Marion (Evans) Heintz. He was raised and educated in Utica attending Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Francis de Sales schools.  After serving in the United States Army, Father Dan studied for the priesthood at St. Andrew’s and St. Bernard’s Seminaries in Rochester. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 5,1954 at the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception in Syracuse.

     Father Dan’s years of ministry includes service at 19 parishes including St. Daniel’s in Syracuse, St. Mary’s in Jamesville, St. Rose of Lima in North Syracuse, St. Mary’s Church in Rome, St. Patrick’s in Williamstown, Sacred Heart in Utica, St. Johns in Camden, St. Mary of the Snows in Otter Lake, St. Patrick’s in Forestport, St. Malachy in Sherburne, St. Ann’s in Manlius and St. Patrick’s in Onieda. After “retirement”, he continued to serve at St. Rose of Lima in North Syracuse and in the winter months at Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Church in Bradenton, Florida. He also served as a chaplain in the United States Army for three years, and as a hospital chaplain with the U.S. Army Reserves for 23 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel.   

     He was a member of the Diocesan Priests CCD Executive Committee, a chaplain for the Utica Police Department, and a chaplain to the Knights of Columbus Oneida Council #473

     Father Dan is survived by nephew Jim Heintz and wife Judy of Colchester, VT, niece Debbie Belmont and husband Michael of Remsen, niece Kathy Wengert and husband Craig of Marcy, and nephew Dan Heintz and wife Jennifer of Milton, VT, grandniece Ashley Holtz and husband Jason along with their children Caroline and Marlow of Colchester, VT, grandniece Jennifer Heintz of South Burlington, Vermont, grandnephew Justin Wengert and wife Ashley of Oriskany, grandnephew Brandon Wengert of Buffalo. He was predeceased by his parents Daniel and Marion Heintz, and his brother James Heintz and wife Jeanne.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday May 23, 2024, at 10:00 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 407 S. Main Street, North Syracuse with the Most Rev. Bishop Robert Cunningham as a main celebrant and the Most Rev. Bishop Douglas Lucia as the concelebrant.  Burial will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro following the funeral mass. Honoring Father Dan’s wishes, there will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Father Dan’s name may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, N.Y.

     The family would like to extend special thanks to Father Dan’s caregiver Shevalle Williams-Brantly. For the past several years, Shevy was instrumental in assisting Father Dan and we can’t thank her enough for her dedication and compassion.

     Father Dan said during his years in the priesthood he has worked to serve as a disciple of Jesus Christ, preach the good news to the poor, cure the lost and wandering, serve the afflicted and show love to those who lived without love. Being a priest, a servant of Jesus Christ, is the “greatest vocation in the world” he said. “What a wonderful life!”

      Peace!