Francis (Frank) L. Heying, 79, former Director of Operations at Temple University’s School of Communications and Theater, and a Vietnam era veteran, died on February 5, 2023.
Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1943, the grandson of German and Irish emigres, the eldest of 5 siblings, he attended Philadelphia parochial schools and graduated from Roman Catholic High School in 1961. After two years as a part-time student and an employee at Hadley Jewelers, in 1963 he joined the Air Force and attained the rank of a Senior Airman level 4, with a high level security role running the film lab and handling military films during the Vietnam War. Stationed in Hollywood, CA, he served until 1967, followed by a stint in the Reserves, and two years in the Hollywood film industry.
In 1969 he moved to Philadelphia to become the manager of a professional film laboratory that supported National Football League Films. In 1970 Temple University engaged him to set up and operate a film lab there, which he did while he completed his BS in Communications, which he received in 1975. He remained at Temple University with increasing levels of responsibility to become Director of Operations at the School of Communications and Theater. For decades he taught film editing and mentored many film students who went on to success in directing, film editing, broadcasting, advertising, and media, some even winning Oscar and Emmy Awards. He managed Temple’s Tomlinson and Annenberg Halls, and received an FCC license to set up Temple’s radio station, WRTI
Frank is survived by Carol Coren, his loving wife of more than 50 years, his first wife Magda Santoyo Heying, siblings Noreen Traub, Henry, Michael, and Mary Regina Heying, his children Lena Heying-Vargas, Teresa Savel, and David Heying, his son-in-law, Edwin Vargas, and daughter-in-law Danielle Heying. Frank also is survived by his seven grandchildren, Michael, Ryan, Sarah, and Sean Vargas; Hyim Savel; and Sullivan and Nora Heying.
Family will receive relatives and friends Thursday February 9, from 10-10:30 AM followed by his funeral sevice at 10:30 AM at Congregation Shir Ami, 101 Richboro Newtown Rd, Newtown, PA 18940, both in-person and via livestream. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to PhilAbundance or to the charity of your choice. Friends and family are invited to visit Frank’s family at his home Thursday, Friday, or Saturday
