April 20, 2020
From Allegany County Chairman Curt Crandall:
Allegany County is saddened at the loss of William “Bill” Heaney of Belfast, one of our County’s
most politically active and historically involved citizens. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his
wife Eva and the Heaney family.
Bill was an extremely active person both in and out of the political arena for many years, working
with and for those representing Allegany County and beyond. Being a spokesperson and our direct
local contact to Congressman Amo Houghton, Governor George Pataki, Senators Pat McGee and
Cathy Young to numerous Assembly Representatives and our Deputy Secretary of State John
Hasper, Bill was very well “connected” for many decades. As Chairman of the Allegany County
Republican Party for close to twenty years, there was not an election or elected official in our
County or seeking the County’s support that he did not have personal contact with, from the town
level to the Governor, and he never let those contacts go. He was a great friend that took an interest
in you and me and in the betterment and growth of Allegany County. Bill held several County
positions such as Chairman of the Youth Board, Planning Board Member, and Election
Commissioner. A few years ago, his interest and passion for history went beyond his Belfast Town
Historian position and were thrust to the Allegany County History Awareness Week project. Once
again, Bill had the betterment of our County and the education of our youth in mind. This project
was recognized by historians across New York State, and Bill was selected to speak about the
project in Albany.
The list of Bill’s personal accomplishments, interests, and memberships is long. From an educator
at Belfast Central School, to his political involvement, and more recently as the spokesperson for
the Allegany County History Awareness Week project, his greatest accomplishment outside of his
family is the positive influence and direction he has given to thousands of us. The impact of Bill’s
educational career is far reaching and will truly never be known.
Bill Heaney, Allegany County is forever grateful for your unending interest in our community.
Respectfully,
Curt Crandall, Chairman,
Allegany County Board of Legislators
