John P. Heitzman, 94, of Ledge Road, Kingston, NY, died Friday May 6th, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. Born on February 24, 1928 to Cornelius Heitzman and Henrietta Nock Heitzman. Loving husband of the late Elizabeth Dolan Heitzman. He is survived by his children, Christine Croce, Jack Heitzman and Ginger Kucharik. He is Father-in-law to Lana Heitzman, Ferdinand Croce and Frank Kucharik. He was grandfather to Erin Heitzman, Lauren Hall (Keenan), Christopher Heitzman, Michael Heitzman, Adam Croce (Kristen), Morgan Croce, Alexandra Witkowski and Camryn Witkowski and great grandfather to Emma Heitzman, Riley Croce and Oscar Croce. His brother, Clement Heitzman and several nieces and nephews and friends also survive.

He was predeceased by his sons, Daniel A Heitzman and Peter A. Heitzman and his siblings Louisa White, William Heitzman, Gertrude DeMilo, Henrietta Davis, Louis Heitzman, Francis Heitzman, Edward Heitzman and Cornelius Heitzman.

He was a lifelong resident and former Mayor of the City of Kingston from 1990-1991. He retired from Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation in 1988 as Administrator of Research and Development after 38 years with the utility. He was a graduate of Kingston High School and the Albany Business College. He served two years in the U.S. Navy as a Radio Operator aboard the USS WINSTON. While at Central Hudson, he was elected to the Kingston Common Council for three terms serving as Alderman of the 12th and 1st Wards.

He had served on the Ulster County Red Cross board of directors and was active on the City of Kingston Democratic Committee serving as Vice Chairman and served two terms as president of the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce. He was a founding member of the Ulster County Mike and Key Club, an amateur radio society. He obtained his Amateur Radio license, W2YOK, in 1947, while in the U.S. Navy and was active until 2013. He was a member and Past President of the Central Hudson Quarter Century Club and a Life Member and Past President of the Coach House Players of Kingston. During his early years with Central Hudson, he was an active member of Local 320, IBEW, serving as shop steward for the Kingston Gas Department.

From January 1994 until 2008, John served as Ombudsman for Tourism for the city of Kingston. He, along with his wife Betty, volunteered at the Urban Cultural Parks Visitor Center, the Ulster Performing Arts Center and as members of the Hudson Valley Senior Residence Board of Managers. He and Betty also volunteered as cruise ship greeters for the City of Kingston during the Fall Foliage seasons from 1990 through 2000. In 2006, he was appointed to the Town of Ulster Board of Assessment Review. In 2008, he was appointed to the City of Kingston Heritage Area Commission and served until 2011.

Due to his prior experience with Central Hudson's contract section, he served as a construction inspector for the City of Kingston from 1998 through 2001. After a fire almost destroyed the Coach House building, he was chosen to lead the reconstruction effort.

The family of John P. Heitzman is grateful to God for his life, for your friendship, and for your kindness and prayers.

Family and friends will be received at Joseph V. Leahy Funeral Home, 27 Smith Ave, Kingston, on Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral procession will form on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at Saint Joseph's Church, 242 Wall Street, in Kingston. Burial will follow at Saint Peter's Cemetery, 176 Marys Avenue, Kingston.