Thomas Leroy Heim

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Leroy Heim, a beloved husband, pastor, and cherished member of his community, who departed this life peacefully on May 13, 2025, at the age of 79. Tom was born on February 28, 1946, in Butler, Pennsylvania, to Joseph Willis Heim and Frances Ina (Reges) Heim. From an early age, he was instilled with a profound faith that would guide him throughout his life, teaching him to hold God first, family second, and self third.

Tom felt a divine calling to ministry during his teenage years while in high school. After graduating in 1965, he pursued his passion by attending Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts. There, he not only excelled academically but also achieved the honor of playing on the varsity basketball team for four years. It was during this time in the fall of 1968 that he met Wendy, the love of his life. They were united in marriage in 1970 after Tom’s graduation in 1969.

Throughout his career, Tom wore many hats. He began his professional journey at the Boston Young Men’s Christian Union (Y.M.C.U.), where he not only dedicated himself to youth but also trained in martial arts, achieving the rank of black belt in judo and jiu-jitsu, eventually becoming an instructor, teaching at the Boy's & Girls Club of Dorchester for two years. His passion for helping others continued as he served as a Home Health Aide in Weymouth for fifteen years while also conducting services in four nursing homes under the auspices of the South Weymouth Church of the Nazarene for nine years. During this time he pursued the courses he needed for ministry; first becoming an ordained deacon in 2002. At that time Tom was asked to interim the Lakeville Church of the Nazarene followed by his appointment as senior pastor. He continued to deepen his ministry, ultimately becoming an ordained elder in 2007 and serving the Lakeville Church until his retirement in 2020. His commitment to faith and service never waned, as he answered the call to serve as an interim pastor for the Wakefield Church of the Nazarene until October 2024.

A devoted fan of the Boston Celtics, Tom delighted in their successes and celebrated their 18th Championship with joy. Tom's journey is summed up in this quote by Eastern Nazarene College Dean Emeritus Bertha Munro, “God will not waste a consecrated life.”

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Wendy L. (Gaver) Heim; his son, Derek Heim, and his girlfriend, Christine Mucci; his granddaughter, Emily Mucci; his siblings, Ronald Heim and his wife Margaret, and Jerry Heim and his wife Lorna; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Frances, and his brother, Joseph W. Heim, Jr.

In celebration of Tom’s life and legacy, a memorial visitation will be held on May 22, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Lakeville Church of the Nazarene, located at 180 Main Street, Lakeville, MA 02347. This time of remembrance will be followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM, honoring a man whose life was a testament to faith, compassion, and service.

As we gather to honor Tom's journey and the impact he made on so many lives, may we carry forward his spirit of love and kindness.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation in Tom's name to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa, KS 66220, or by visiting their website at www.ncm.org. 

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