Michael A. Heery

Michael A. Heery , 57, of Lehighton, PA, passed peacefully from this world to the next surrounded by his loving family and beloved dog – Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  He was the loving husband of Erica L. (Stockhausen) Heery.  On Sunday, September 24, they celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary.  Born in Allentown on Wednesday, July 6, 1966, he was the eldest son of the late Francis and Catherine (Schwarz) Heery.

A graduate of SS. Peter and Paul School in Lehighton, Lehighton Area High School, LCCC and Kutztown University, he earned his Associate Degree at LCCC, and his Bachelor's Degree in early childhood education and elementary education at Kutztown University.  As a long-time member of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Lehighton, he was active in Parish life through the years, serving as Eucharistic Minister, Director of Religious Education, Lector, member of the Choir, Usher and CYO basketball coach. He was also a Men of Malvern for over 40 years.  He was very active in the Knights of Columbus, joining at 18 years old in 1984. He served Damien Council #598 & Monsignor Agnello J. Angelini Assembly #971. He served as Faithful Navigator, Grand Knight, District Deputy, and Trustee during his years of service.  In 2003, his family earned the distinction of "Family of the Year" for District # 29. He was also active in his community over the years as Past President of Lehighton Rotary, Past President of Jim Thorpe Area Chamber of Commerce, Past President of Carbon County Chamber of Commerce and board member for NEPA Alliance.

He had a love of model trains and managed a family owned and operated HO model train display for over 25 years in the heart of historic Jim Thorpe, PA. His current job as a Second Grade Teacher brought him much joy as he was able to work alongside his wife and brother. Michael was passionate about making a lasting impression on the lives of his students. He loved going on beach adventures with his wife and dog, reading, writing, and making the holidays a magical time for his family and friends. He enjoyed cheering on his nephews at their various sports games over the years.  He also was an avid Penn State, Notre Dame and Phillies fan.

His bright light lives on in the recipients of his organ donations through the Gift of Life.

Survivors: Wife, Erica.  Beloved rescue dog Vincent van Gogh.  Brother Christopher and his wife Gretchen of Lehighton, and treasured nephews – Joseph, Ryan, Sean, and Stephen.  In-laws Jerome and Patricia Stockhausen of Texas, Herbert and his wife Jill (Stockhausen) Yates of Tennessee, and Kurt and his wife Ashley Stockhausen of Texas, and beloved nephews James, Raymond, Ryan and Reid.  He was predeceased by his parents and first beloved dog, Snoopy.

Services: Friday, November 3rd, 2023 at 12:00noon, Mass of Christian Burial, SS. Peter and Paul Church, Lehighton.  Calling will be from 10:00a.m.- 12:00Noon.  Interment will follow Mass at the Parish Cemetery.  Officiating will be Fr. Christopher Zelonis.  Arrangements are entrusted to Campton Funeral Home, Palmerton.  Online Condolences may be left for the family at: www.schislerfuneralhomes.com.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Carbon County Animal Shelter, Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter (Whitehall), Saint John Neumann Regional School, or Lehighton Area Memorial Library.