Dennis Alan Heon

Dennis Allen Heon, 77, of Canterbury Connecticut died on Friday, August 22, 2025.

He was a devoted father, grandfather, sibling, and Veteran. Passed away peacefully at his home with family and his beloved dog, Moo. He leaves behind daughter, Nicole Tattersall, son, Nathan Heon, granddaughter, Kirsten Tattersall, and siblings, Andre Heon, twin Donald Heon, and Gerald Heon. He was born and grew up in Voluntown Connecticut to Marcel and Dora Heon. Attending Blackfoot Junior and Senior High Schools, competing in District Field Meets and earning the Deseret News Pentathlon Championship Award, and experimenting with homemade fireworks. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of E6, Staff Sergeant and earning the Rifle Marksmanship Badge M-14, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal:

"For heroic achievement while serving as a 60mm Mortar Section Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Late on the afternoon of 27 December 1967, Corporal Heon's unit was occupying a defensive position in Quang Nam Province. Suddenly, the company came under intense enemy automatic weapons and mortar fire from an estimated force of twenty Viet Cong emplaced along an abandoned railroad embankment. WIth complete disregard for his own safety, Corporal Heon unhesitatingly moved from his covered position and, despite the hostile fire, ran to the mortar section's position. Immediately directing the adjustment of his 60mm mortars to a pre-planned concentration, he rapidly directed the delivery of accurate fire on the enemy force. His heroic and timely actions in the face of extreme personal danger were an inspiration to all who observed him and were instrumental in forcing the enemy to break contact and flee in panic and confusion. By his courage, calm presence of mind and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Heon upheld the finest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service."

Presidential Unit Citation:
"For extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong forces in the Republic of Vietnam from 8 March 1965 to 15 September 1967. In numerous operations, the Third Marine Division (Reinforced) demonstrated the great efficacy of combined operations with units of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. [...] reflecting great credit upon the Marine Corps and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service."

Finishing out his career in the Marine Corps Reserves in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He then entered the Electrical Draftsman's Apprentice Program where he graduated and began his 41 year career with Electric Boat and Raytheon. At Raytheon he was very proud of his small contribution to the electrical design of the Patriot Missile.

As a young man, he really enjoyed the hobbies of amateur photography and fishing. He also took quiet pride in his children's accomplishments, supporting his daughter in her love of horses and competing them in the Equitation and Hunter Divisions even so far as to make up original monthly calendars with upcoming horse show dates. He could not always attend but was always out of the house as soon as they got home to find out how she placed and what ribbons she brought home. Assisting his son with Cub Scout activities including the Pinewood Derby where he and Nathan placed 2nd with their design on their first try. He and his son also were students of Tai Chi and he attained the rank of Advanced Level and Student Instructor.

Later in life, he was an avid fan of women's basketball and was even a season ticket holder to the Connecticut Suns for a couple years which he and his granddaughter attended regularly. An avid UCONN men and women's basketball fan as well, and if the game was televised you could count on him to be watching.

When she was little he babysat his granddaughter weekly, where he showed her movies she definitely wasn't supposed to see such as Lake Placid and Jurassic Park, instilling a lifelong love of schlocky horror films. They went to the movie theater often during her middle and high school years.

His quiet generosity was felt by many and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in his memory to the Semper Fi & America's Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dennis Alan Heon, please visit our floral store.