Todd Anthony Heffner

Todd Anthony Heffner, of Sarasota, FL, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend of Ford City, PA, passed away on August 16, 2023, at the age of 58.

Todd was born on April 23,1965, in Kittanning, PA, but spent most of his life living in Sarasota Florida. After graduating from Ford City High School, where he had honors in English and computer science, he went on to earn his certification at Electronic Computer Programming Institute of New Jersey (ECPI) in Patterson, NJ.  Being influenced by living with a talented family on both sides, Todd grew up with a deep passion for the Arts. When he moved to Sarasota, FL, he found a melting pot for his God-given talents.  In a wide spectrum, he pursued many fulfilled dreams that included songwriter, video production, musician and professional actor /entertainer, where he performed in 35 Broadway and off-Broadway shows.  He performed in three tours, placing five best actor nominations for a musical, received best actor award for "Pippin" (performing role the lead player), and "Driving Miss Daisy" (Hoke), "A Chorus Line", "Damn Yankees" and "Mame". He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in "Dream Girls" and Best Actor in a musical, "A Fine Romance".  

He comes from a great ambilineal descent, where he is the nephew of songwriter/leader Frank Tolliver, and grandson of bass vocalist, James Heffner, of gospel group "The James Five" and "Calico Records" doowop group, The Pacers ("I Found A Dream"); grandson of the American photographer, Charles "Teenie" Harris (Sharp Focus: CTH); grandson of Juanita Carr (93), pianist for 60+ years for Second Baptist Church, and the firstborn of Recording Artist and International Song Stylist, Katt Hefner.

Todd could light up a room with his energy, wit and smile.  He grew up having a very close bond with his brother, Robert S (Bobby) and sister Dana Rochelle, and in later years with his father Lionel (Erica) Harris Sr.  He is well-loved and will be missed, leaving behind a large extended family including step parent Duane Troutman, uncles James "Skip" (Gwenna) Heffner, Stanley (Velma) Heffner, Melvin (Arlena) Heffner, great aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and cousins along with an array of close-knit group of friends.  Todd was preceded in death by his great grandparents (Daddy) Homer and (Mama Cat)herine Allensworth and uncles Keith and Stephen Heffner. 

A gathering of reflection will be done on Friday, September 22, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 4th Ave., Ford City, where a memorial service will also be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, September 23, with Rev. Kent Commodore officiating. Please sign the guest registration in honoring our beloved.  Interment will be in Ford City Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow afterwards at the Tenth Street Station, 301 10th Street, Ford City, at 1PM.  Todd's pastime passion was movies and Karaoke. Please come and be prepared to sing and tell a story or two.  

To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

For Sarasota Guests: 

A Celebration of Life is being planned for our beloved Saturday October 7, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Siesta Key Beach Park, Siesta Beach Sunset Pavilion. A memorial service will be officiated by Rev. Vincent Smith of Trinity Christian Fellowship Center, Sarasota FL. For those who knew Todd, he loved life, music and laughter. So afterwards, in his memory as "King of Karaoke", be prepared to sing and share a few memories and tall tales.  There will be lite bites and beverages.

Todd, my Peter Pan, I'm going to miss your "Mom" calls.  May you be remembered not only for your outstanding talent, charm and fast wit but also for your giving to the homeless as a beacon of light.  We find comfort in knowing  your final resting place is in the arms of Christ Jesus and with Almighty God Jehovah.  

2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

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