Monday, January 22, 2024
To the family of Coach John Heslin---I write for myself, but I know that many of my closest friends, Class of 1970 Stonehill College soccer teammates, would wish to extend our sincerest sympathies to all of Coach's extended famiily. You probably have no idea how much your father meant to us, and how much he has been a part of our lives and friendship for more than 50 years. We have remained very close to each other for all these years, and whenever we are together, we share stories about our Stonehill soccer days and your father. We played hard for him (our hustle far outweighing our soccer skills), but we had a million laughs with each other, and with your father during those days--especially on some of our away games/roadtrips. He laughed along with us. Unfortunately, in recent months we also lost one of our great teammates and dearest friends to cancer, Gerry Hebert, who was not only our star goalie, but also a multi-talented baseball player who played both sports under your father. Memories of your father will definitely live on for all of us, and I hope that your memories of him will bring you peace and comfort. May he rest in peace. Phil Contant, Springfield, Ma., Stonehill College '70
