Dr. Robert James Heffernan, DO.

Robbie was born in Glendale, Arizona on July 17th, 1985. He passed away on December 20, 2022 during a vacation with the love of his life, Jennifer Knight.

Robbie is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his parents, James J. Heffernan and Sarah B. Heffernan; his siblings, Patrick (Tara), Nicholas (Lauryn), Peter-Michael and Katherine Kimbrell (Austin); his three nephews Cash, Carson, Houston and his little niece on the way.

Robbie was Sarah and Jim's precious first baby boy. Neither of them planned on having a big family, but once Robbie was born, that changed. They went on to have four more children because of Robbie. They didn't know love like that could exist until they first laid eyes on him. Robbie was named after his maternal grandfather, Robert Orr. His middle name came from his father and his paternal grandfather, James Heffernan. He was an amazing brother to all of his siblings and took his big brother role very seriously, which could be seen in his willingness to help them, teach them, guide them, encourage them and most importantly, love them.

Robbie excelled at everything he did. School seemed to come especially easy to him, so, of course, as the over-achiever first child, he earned 4 associate degrees, 2 bachelor’s degrees, 2 master’s, and a Doctoral Degree in Osteopathic medicine. He always made his family laugh by saying he got enough degrees for each of his siblings. He made his parents so proud by reaching his life-long goal of becoming a internal medicine physician. His love for medicine came at an early age due to the fact his parents were both nurses. While in school, Robbie became a science teacher for middle and high school. He impacted many kids' lives by being a beautiful role model. Robbie also worked as a caregiver for elderly patients in their home while going to school. It's a very rare thing to have a doctor that had experience as a caregiver as well. The knowledge and experience he gained made him the patient and compassionate doctor he was to his patients as well as his co-workers. Robbie became a physician, not only to his patients in the hospital, but also every family member, friend, and neighbor. He always went above and beyond to help anyone in need, even if it was just a phone call to give advice to someone that didn't know what to do with a new found diagnosis or to walk someone through treatment plans. He was everyone's go-to doctor due to his intellect & gentle spirit.

Robbie’s other interests included his love of all things sports. He received not only academic scholarships, but a tennis scholarship as well. He was the captain of his tennis team in college, but was a natural athlete in all sports. He played basketball, football, softball, and also loved to swim, bowl and golf.

Robbie moved to Ohio, his parents hometown, in 2016. He grew up traveling to Ohio with the family multiple times a year. His parents always had a second home there so their kids could get the opportunity to know all their aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. When Robbie moved to Ohio for his residency, he fell in love with Jennifer Knight the very first day he arrived. Robbie and Jennifer have been inseparable since. Robbie loved Jennifer with his entire being; there was nothing he wouldn't do for her. Their love was deep, beautiful, and truly one of a kind. Jennifer was not only his wife, but also his best friend.

One of Robbie's best traits was the way he could make everyone happy. He was so witty that he could make any topic hilarious. He loved nothing more than to tell a good story that got everyone laughing. He was a friend to many because he had a way of making people feel included, welcomed, and loved.

All people are made to be special by God, but Robbie was exceptional in so many areas, and those who knew him feel so blessed to have had him for this short time. In his 37 years, he made a difference in this world by being a great doctor, teacher, caregiver, storyteller, friend, grandson, cousin, uncle, brother, husband, and son.

He was preceded in death by his grandpa Robert Orr, grandma Edith Orr Lambert, his uncle Barry Orr, and his grandpa James Heffernan.

Robbie will be remembered as the kind, clever, brilliant and beautiful person he was. His wife and family find comfort that he is with Jesus in paradise.

Services will be held at the church where Robbie grew up, Christ Church of the Valley in Peoria, AZ on January 10th at 2pm. The service will be followed by a reception at Robbie's parents’ home.

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