Vern Hecker was a vibrant soul who lived life with energy, humor, and heart. On September 17, 2025, at the age of 80, he passed away peacefully with his loving wife of 58 years, Linda, by his side. He was a father whose warmth extended far beyond his family. He is deeply cherished by his children– Jeff, Sherry (Dave) Kessler, and Janelle (Jason) Gutman–and his grandchildren David (Katie) DiLoreto, Daniel DiLoreto, Ana, Owen, and Zachary Gutman.
He is preceded in death by his extraordinary mother, Ruth Hecker. The eldest of seven siblings, Vern grew up in a loving family and is survived by his beloved siblings Nancy Williams, Jim (Alice) Hecker, Carol (Joel) Strub, Amy (Ben) Schiavone, Norm (Lisa) Hecker, Lisa (Brian) Fischer, as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family–including his running and Rotary family–who adored him. He is also predeceased by his father, Glenn Hecker.
A true community builder, he was proud to be a Rotarian in the Red Jacket Rotary Club for 19 years where he served many roles including 5 years as president. He established the annual Post-Christmas Blues Run in Canandaigua, which he directed as a fundraiser for the high school running boosters club. He also co-founded the Canandaigua Sawbellies Master’s Swim Club. His passion for fitness and sport became one of his greatest gifts to others. As a running ambassador for Medved Running & Walking Outfitters, he encouraged countless runners of all levels, offering inspiration, friendship, and unwavering support including his motivational quote, “Have fun, as fast as you can.”
He was also deeply dedicated to his work and community. He committed 32 years to working as a heavy equipment operator and went on to serve an additional 16 years as the Town of Hopewell Highway Superintendent. Known for his steady hand and strong work ethic, he took pride in maintaining the roads that connected people’s lives. Just as he pounded the pavement running, he cared for the roads beneath his feet. His peers have said, “he knew the road by the soles of his feet.”
He will be remembered for his quick wit, his love of food, drink, and conversation, and for welcoming everybody as family. Whether telling stories on a long run, around a dinner table, or simply in passing, his vibrant presence and generosity touched countless lives and will live on through his family, friends, and community.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home 7501 Pittsford Palmyra Rd. Fairport, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to:
- Rotary Camp Onseyawa where his son Jeff experienced the joy of camp in his younger years: https://www.onseyawa.org/donations
- Rochester Regional Health Hospice whose compassionate care supported him and his family: https://www.rochesterregional.org/giving/make-a-gift (select Hospice Care Fund under ‘gift designations’)
31 responses to “Hecker, Vern”
I loved Vern and considered him a good friend. We met while I served as his mom’s pastor. Our friendship deepened when I was a member of the Red Jacket Rotary Club for 5 years. All that was written about him is so true. I will remember his ready smile, keen sense of humor, dedication, leadership, and compassion.
Prayer for you, Linda, and family.
Love, Jeff
What the Heck? I am so sorry for your loss Linda. Our loss. Vern was one of the good guys!! He made everything fun!
Russ
We have wonderful memories with Vern and Linda that are so precious and never can be replaced.
WHAT A LOSS. Vern was always a joy to be around.
I am so glad we were able to surprise him when he retired from Hopewell.
Our thoughts and prayers for Linda and family
Linda and family,
The Gage family sends their heartfelt condolences to all of you.
Vern was an incredible man and I am honored to have met him years ago.
Love and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Linda and family ,
I always enjoying seeing Vern – he was everywhere supporting community . I remember him dropping off by the Penfield Community Bike Drop off and the last time I chatted with him was last year at Rochester Rotary Sunshine Camp 5 K where he ran . Vern was a real role model and will be greatly missed . My deepest sympathy . RIP Vern
Vern, You are an inspiration to me and to many others. You will be with me always as I run. Till we run together again
With love
TKup
Vern embodied what it means to be a Rotarian, he was the example of Service Above Self. He will be greatly missed.
Linda
I am sad to hear of your great loss. You will be in my prayers.
Vern was such a positive spirit! He always had a great smile. We’ll remember him fondly.
Frank and Esther Kerwin
Linda, Our hearts ache for you and your family. May you feel the love and support of those that surround you.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Vern. He was a wonderful guy , we shared many stories about my husband David who was highway superintendent in west Bloomfield. From the sounds of things they caused quite a ruckus. Sending loving thoughts and prayers
Vern will be missed . He made this world a better place . We are sorry for your loss
Linda, Jim, Norm, and all of Vern’s family.
It was always a pleasure to meet up with Vern, years ago I would see him, and we always chat about family and friends.
Please accept my sincere condolences on Vern’s passing.
Linda and family, We are so very sorry to hear of Vern’s untimely passing. What an amazing man and friend who always had a smile and laugh. Great times on your visits to FL. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and the entire Hecker family,
Words cannot express my feelings, how do you say goodbye to a friend of plus 50 years..he was a fantastic husband, father, brother, co worker and friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. Love and hugs to all.
Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Vern always brought a smile with him wherever he went and whatever he was doing. I will miss that❤️
Linda, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Vern was a wonderful, kind person and he will be sorely missed. May God bless you and your family with peace.
Linda,
Maggie has spoken so fondly of all the time she’s gotten to spend with both you and Vern. I feel fortunate to have gotten to know Vern, if even for a short time.
Much Love and Peace,
Martha (and John) McKenna
So sorry for your loss Linda ‘what a woman’ Hecker. May the love of family and friends sustain you.
Love,
Jan and family
Linda I am so sorry for your loss of Vern. He was the warmest, most gentle man and you two were perfect together. I will always remember his kindness toward Jamie when she hit and damaged a fire hydrant. She was devastated and he was so supportive of her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. It certainly sounds like he was a wonderful, well liked person just like his wife. Please accept my condolences during this sad time.
Thinking of you,
Dear Linda and Family, We are so saddened about the death of Vern. His genuine friendly warmth shone every time we talked. A true blessing to all: family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and strangers, who were fortunate to share his path.
We are so sorry to hear of Vern’s passing. My first memory of him is his great big smile whenever I’d see him . He had such a warm loving heart . Our sympathies to Linda and family
Linda: My warm feelings of sympathy and caring for you and your family for the loss of Vern.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Hecker families. Thinking of you all at this time of sorrow and knowing how difficult it is to lose someone so important to you all.
My heart felt condolences to the family here. Vern, you were a man. Who, if you had fallen. Would find you & pick you up, literally. I was honored to have shared some time with you. Heavens got a new Angel running around up there we know.
Carol and family, I’m so sorry for your loss of dear Vern. I never met him, but you mom raised incredible children, and it sounds as though Vern was too! The Hecker family is truly an inspiration.
Linda, you and Vern were the gold standard of happy marriages. God bless you!!
Linda, so sorry to hear about Vern. I loved him and have so many great memories of him. He was always so kind and funny. We will all miss him. Love, Dick Gilligan.
Dear Linda and family, I just learned of Vern’s passing this week from a fellow Master’s swimmer. Needless to say, I was shocked and so sorry that I was unaware until now. I have many happy memories of the years I swam with Vern and the Canandaigua Sawbellies along with the many road races and triathlons in which we competed. Vern always had a smile and a good story to tell. Sending you and your family love and heartfelt condolences.