Honorable Paul P. Heffernan (retired) of West Roxbury, formerly of Milton, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2026. Beloved husband and best friend of the late Angela (Hennessey) Heffernan. Devoted father of Honorable Mary Elizabeth Heffernan of West Roxbury, Paul P. Heffernan, Jr. of Longmeadow, David J. Heffernan and his wife Francesca of Manhattan, NY, Angela Rose Toussaint and her husband Jeffrey of Dedham, Janet Mondani of Danville, CA, John F. Heffernan and his wife Sheila of Marblehead. Dear brother of the late Rev. John F. Heffernan O.M.I and the late Richard J. Heffernan. Loving grandfather of 13 spectacular grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud, he is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
We are so very grateful for the extraordinary care Dad received through Celtic Angels, Babette, Edelweiss Village and mostly our beloved Paul Kwasi (OP).
Judge Heffernan was a respected jurist, dedicated public servant, and compassionate advocate for young people.
Born in Lynn, Paul spent his formative years in South Boston. He was a proud graduate of St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers and Boston College. Pausing his matriculation at BC to enlist in the United States Army during the Korean conflict, he graduated after completing his tour of duty. Paul went on to earn an M.Ed. degree from Boston State College and a JD degree from Suffolk University Law School while raising a family of six children with his wonderful wife, Angela.
Paul’s first job in public service as a parole officer with the Youth Service Board inspired his lifelong mission of helping young people navigate difficult circumstances and find a path forward. He subsequently served as a probation officer and Clerk Magistrate in the Boston Juvenile Court, where he continued his commitment to at-risk youth. From 1982 to 2003, Paul served as First Justice of the Somerville District Court. He applied compassion, experience, integrity and a thoughtful understanding of the law to his judicial responsibilities.
Paul’s knowledge of juvenile law, sound judgment, and understanding of the challenges facing young people earned him the respect of seasoned colleagues and the gratitude of the countless individuals whom he mentored throughout the years.
Witty, eloquent, steadfastly loyal, and extremely skilled at public speaking, he will also be remembered for his extraordinary kindness, unwavering faith, fairness and patience. He regularly reminded his children and grandchildren to “make a new friend every day”, an expression he put into practice wherever he went.
Funeral from the William J. Gormley Funeral Home on Thursday, 2055 Centre St., WEST ROXBURY on Thursday, October 29th at 9:00am. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Theresa of Avila Church, 2078 Centre St, West Roxbury at 10:00am. Visiting Hours Wednesday, October 28th from 4:00 to 8:00pm in St. Theresa of Avila Church. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Interment St Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Paul's memory to St. John's Prep, 72 Spring Street, Danvers, Massachusetts. Donations can be made online at www.stjohnsprep.org/give Donations can also be made in honor of Paul and Angela Heffernan to the Boston Public Library Fund at 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116 or online at https://bplfund.org/give/ For guest book please visit www.gormleyfuneral.com