Timothy J. Heney

Tim Heney, a longtime resident of Benicia, died peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer. The son of John and Adeline Heney, he was raised in Alhambra where he attended St Theresa’s Parochial School. In 1962 he enrolled in La Salle Prep, a Christian Brothers school in Pasadena, where he was French Club president as well as a member of the Student Council and the Glee Club. He entered the Christian Brothers Novitiate at Mt. La Salle in 1966, and attended St Mary’s College as a student brother the following year. After leaving the Brothers, he continued his musical education at St Mary’s and at Holy Name College. He then obtained an advanced degree in musical therapy at the University of the Pacific. After college, Tim spent his career as a music teacher at KI Jones and Cleo Gordon Elementary Schools, both in Fairfield. Over the years, he shared his love of music to thousands of students, inspiring music teachers, rappers, symphony musicians, and music therapy teachers. Throughout this time and after retirement, he was the choir director for the 11am mass at St Dominic’s Church in Benicia. In 2009, he volunteered at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo as a mentor to young adults in the Project Search Program which taught life skills for greater independence, such as filling out job applications, interviewing, and obtaining driver licenses. He also volunteered with Saint Vincent DePaul Society Food Bank. He was a member of the Benicia Historical Society. One of his most treasured moments was becoming a Knight of the Noble and Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem in 1994, and later making a Knight’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land. A devoted son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend, Tim’s geniality formed a buoyant and bracing atmosphere for those who knew him. He was an avid gardener at his beloved Craftman bungelow and secret “Quattro Fontane” garden where many a glass of wine was shared. He loved traveling, with extensive travels including Italy, Portugal, Britain, Russia, and Mexico. And he loved music in all forms. He is survived by his sisters Joanne Brown (Adron Brown), Mary Lou Casias (Bob Casias), nieces Michele Casias and Alyson Binder (Marty Binder), and nephew Mark Casias (Luz Casias). He is also survived by great nieces Logan and Sienna Binder, Sofia and Elia Casias, and great nephews Isaac and Max Casias. He is also survived by his godson Vincent Collins. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Music Ministry at St Dominic’s Catholic Church in Benica, CA are appreciated.

Timothy J. Heney

July 18, 1948 - February 14, 2023