W. Heptig, Lawrence

Lawrence William Heptig, of 1253 Hinging Post Road, Ithaca, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, at the age of 79.

Born on September 3, 1926 in Valley Stream, New York, L.W. was the son of Joseph Roman Heptig and Loretta Donnelly Heptig. Following graduation from Valley Stream High School, he enlisted and served his country in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman during WW II. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1946.

He graduated from Cornell University School of Industrial Labor Relations in 1952 and St. John's Law School in 1955. He spent over forty years as a corporate attorney specializing in labor relations and arbitration. During his career he traveled extensively world wide.

Big Lar as he was often called had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, arcane bits of information, and pithy aphorisms. He was an avid reader, writer and self proclaimed etymologist. His favorite book may have been Webster's Dictionary (certainly his most used), and he delighted in discovering new words and sharing them with friends and family. He was an inveterate humorist and a huge fan of harmless practical jokes.

Culminating a great love of the Finger Lakes area that began during his college years, Larry and Rene retired to Ithaca, New York in 1996. Larry and Rene shared a life long passion for Bridge and spent many happy hours with new found friends at the Ithaca Bridge Club.

L.W. is survived by his devoted and loving wife and partner of 54 years, Bernice "Rene" Dailey Heptig of Ithaca; loving sister Joan Heptig; sons, Lawrence "Chip" Heptig, Richard Heptig, and Joseph Heptig, daughters Lise Heptig Swanson and Mary Heptig Auger; grandchildren Michael and Chelsea Heptig, Emily, Joseph, Amanda and Matthew Swanson, Elise, Kate, and Will Heptig, Peter Lawrence, Molly, and Megan Auger; Luke, Sam, Frank, and Grace Heptig; great grandchildren Sasha Heptig Borkson, Greta and Ava Swanson; and other beloved family members.

The family will be present to receive friends at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg on Friday, August 25, 2006 from 6-8 pm.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 17 Whig St., Trumansburg, on Saturday, August 26, 2006 at 10:00 am with the Rev. Jerome

McHugh, OFM Cap. as celebrant. Prayers of Committal will follow at St. James Cemetery with a Military Honors Tribute.

The family asks those considering a contribution in L.W.'s memory to kindly consider the American Heart Assn., PO Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220-3049.

For additional information please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director