Press Release
April 19, 2020
For Release: Immediately
Statement Regarding the Loss of Bill Heaney
Allegany County is saddened at the loss of William "Bill" Heaney of Belfast, one of our County's most politically active and historically involved citizens. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Eva and the Heaney family.
Bill was an extremely active person both in and out of the political arena for many years, working with and for those representing Allegany County and beyond. Being a spokesperson and our direct local contact to Congressman Amo Houghton, Governor George Pataki, Senators Pat McGee and Cathy Young to numerous Assembly Representatives and our Deputy Secretary of State John Hasper, Bill was very well "connected" for many decades. As Chairman of the Allegany County Republican Party for close to twenty years, there was not an election or elected official in our County or seeking the County’s support that he did not have personal contact with, from the town level to the Governor, and he never let those contacts go. He was a great friend that took an interest in you and me and in the betterment and growth of Allegany County. Bill held several County positions such as Chairman of the Youth Board, Planning Board Member, and Election Commissioner. A few years ago, his interest and passion for history went beyond his Belfast Town Historian position and were thrust to the Allegany County History Awareness Week project. Once again, Bill had the betterment of our County and the education of our youth in mind. This project was recognized by historians across New York State, and Bill was selected to speak about the project in Albany.
The list of Bill’s personal accomplishments, interests, and memberships is long. From an educator at Belfast Central School, to his political involvement, and more recently as the spokesperson for the Allegany County History Awareness Week project, his greatest accomplishment outside of his family is the positive influence and direction he has given to thousands of us. The impact of Bill’s educational career is far reaching and will truly never be known.
Bill Heaney, Allegany County is forever grateful for your unending interest in our community.
Respectfully,
Curt Crandall, Chairman,
Allegany County Board of Legislators
