Leo Hegner

Leo Joseph Hegner, 83, of Beaver Falls, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at home with his loving family at his side.
Born December 26, 1940 in Beaver Falls, Leo was the son of the late Joseph and Eva (Muto) Hegner. Leo was a member of St. Monica's Roman Catholic Church and attended St. Mary's Grade School in Beaver Falls. He was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School in 1958. He attended Duquesne University and graduated in 1962 as a registered pharmacist. Leo married the love of his life, Martha (Marotti), at St. John's Catholic Church in Monaca, Pennsylvania on August 3, 1963. She preceded him in death in 2020.
As a lifelong resident of Beaver Falls, Leo is survived by his loving daughters and their families: Leah (Jason) Wilson of Canfield, Ohio and Rebecca (Pahala) Simamora of Rockville, Maryland.. Leo's six grandchildren were most attentive during his short and courageous battle with cancer: Jason Jr., Ava & Maria Wilson; and Matteo, Lucca and Gianni Simamora. They will miss their "Pappy".
Leo memorialized his only sister Nettie Eckhardt and her husband James Eckhardt when they passed in December of 2022 and January of 2023 respectively. Leo is survived by his brother Ralph (Sandy) Hegner with whom he had a close relationship and gave him a constant source of hope and encouragement. Leo leaves to cherish his memory numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and loving and loyal friends as well as many customers from his two pharmacies.
Leo worked at Hoffman's Pharmacy in Beaver Falls for over 20 years when he purchased it in the early 1990's. A few years later, he also purchased Health City Drug in Beaver and continued his tradition of putting his patients and customers first, counseling many who came in, and building lasting and impactful relationships with people in his community. Being a pharmacist and helping patients was his passion, and that came through each and every day. Leo served the City of Beaver Falls as Mayor and also served on Big Beaver Falls School District Board as a school board member. Go Tigers!
Leo loved to teach and share his scientific knowledge, and taught classes in the nursing school at the Community College of Beaver County.
Leo also served in community capacities as a member of the Beaver County Housing Authority Board and the CHODO Board of which he was chairman until April 2024. He served on the American Heart Association of Beaver County and Beaver Falls City Council prior to becoming Mayor.
With the assistance of his niece, Roseanne (Scott) Fairley, Leo participated for many years as part of the St. Monica Adoration Committee. He spent the past decade praying for others and was always a constant source of support to his family, friends and customers.
Leo was a pillar in the community for his many works of service in the pharmacy, in his church, and in leadership positions within Beaver County. His mission to support the community in any way will be sorely missed.
Leo's family would like to thank his many caregivers, nurses and doctors who were attentive to his needs, encouraging of his plight and understanding of his prognosis. His family would like to especially acknowledge: Heritage Valley, Beaver, Gallagher Nursing Care, The Visiting Angels, Darla Handlow, his dedicated caretaker, Pinnacle Hospice and his general practitioner Dr. Sestito, and the supportive church community of St. Augustine Parish, Beaver Falls.
Leo's friends will be received on Monday, June 24th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm in the Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, www.hillandkunselman.com, 3801 4th Avenue, Beaver Falls. A Christian Funeral Mass will celebrate Leo's life on Tuesday June 25th at 10am at St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, St. Monica Chapel - 116 Thorndale Drive, Beaver Falls PA 15010.
Contributions may be made in Leo's name to the Saint Augustine Parish, St. Monica Chapel, 116 Thorndale Road, Beaver Falls, PA or to the Beaver Falls School Education Foundation (Attn: Jonelle McMillen), 1503 8th Avenue Beaver Falls, PA 15010.