John Edward Heppe, 95, stockbroker, decorated war veteran
John Edward Heppe, 95, of Bryn Mawr, a decorated World War II veteran and a longtime stockbroker, died Friday, Nov. 6, of complications from an aneurysm at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
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John Edward Heppe, 95, of Bryn Mawr, a decorated World War II veteran and a longtime stockbroker, died Friday, Nov. 6, of complications from an aneurysm at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Mr. Heppe, known as Jack, was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Bala Cynwyd. Later, he was a resident of Bryn Mawr for 60 years.
He graduated from Episcopal Academy in 1939 and received his bachelor of science degree in economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1943. He pledged Delta Phi.
Mr. Heppe served in World War II from April 1944 to September 1945 as a navigator in the Eighth Army Air Force. He flew 30 missions in a B-17, primarily over Germany and northern France, without receiving a scratch. He rarely spoke of his experiences.
"We think of him as a hero. He was," said daughter Patricia Heppe Stouch.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the European African Middle East Ribbon with four stars and the Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters.
The citation on the Air Medal reads in part: "For meritorious achievement while participating in sustained bomber combat operations over Germany and German occupied countries. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by these Officers and Enlisted Men upon these occasions reflect great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States."
Mr. Heppe was honorably discharged with the rank of first lieutenant.
Once back in Philadelphia, Mr. Heppe married Patricia Moore Austin, known as Patty. They were together from January 1947 until her death in March 2010.
Mr. Heppe loved buying and selling stocks. It was his true passion. He spent most of his career as owner-operator of J.E. Heppe & Co. Inc., which was listed on the Philadelphia Stock Exchange in 1953.
He specialized in Ford Motor Co. and 12 other blue-chip stocks on the exchange.
"Up until his final day at home, he was actively buying and selling stocks," his family said.
When not working, he enjoyed belonging to the Merion Golf Club, Gulph Mills Golf Club, Merion Cricket Club, and others on the island of St. Croix and in Maine, where the family vacationed.
His children said he was a wonderful father who will be missed. He loved dogs, especially his terrier mix, Cowboy.
Besides his daughter, he is survived by sons John Edward Jr. and Blair Austin and five grandchildren.
A viewing after 10 a.m. is to be followed by an 11 a.m. funeral Monday, Nov. 16, at Church of the Redeemer, 230 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr. Interment is private.
Donations may be made to Main Line Animal Rescue via http://www.mainlinerescue.com/donate.
610-313-8102