Melvin Heffley Jr, (80), of Perry County, PA, passed away on July 30, 2025, shortly after
being diagnosed with cancer. He passed surrounded by family and loved ones.
Melvin was born June 12, 1945, in Mount Joy, PA to parents Melvin and Lorrayne
Heffley Jones. He has three brothers – Donald (wife Barb), Ronald (wife Sue), and Dale
(wife Nancy). Melvin also leaves a half-sister, Ruthie Jones, and an Aunt – Mabel
Mummau Hershey (husband John).
Mel is survived by daughters Tonia Leonard (husband Tom) of Charlottesville, Virginia;
Krystal McCarthy (husband Stephen) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and stepson
Jeffrey Salvesen (wife Megan) of Havertown, PA. Mel also leaves behind Jeanette
Consagra, his loving companion of many years.
Mel was preceded in death by his wife Nancy (Keller) and his brother Donald. Mel is
also survived by eight grandchildren, one great grandchild and many nieces and
nephews.
Mel was a graduate of Manheim Central High School, where he excelled at wrestling.
Following graduation Mel studied Chemistry at the Franklin School of Science and Arts
which laid the foundation for his eventual passion of winemaking. While living in the
Philadelphia suburbs, Mel and his wife Nancy acquired a seven-acre plot of land in
Perry County, PA. For several years, Mel labored in determined fashion to design and
self-construct their dream home on a hilltop, overlooking rows of grapevines that he
planted which would eventually become their beloved Melancy Hilltop Vinyard.
Mel had many interests – Civil War history, hunting and fishing with his brothers,
traveling, and spending time with loved ones and friends. Mel served as a County
Auditor for several years, a job he was very proud of. One of his greatest joys was
spending time in the vineyard, cultivating and harvesting his grapes. Mel also cherished
time spent with his friends from the Susquehanna Winemakers Guild where he was an
active member and served as a wine judge for many local competitions. Mel was
honored to receive multiple awards and ribbons for wines he made from grapes
harvested at Melancy Hilltop Vinyard.
A celebration of life gathering will be held September 13, 2025 from 2-4pm at the
Comfort Inn,10 S. Hanover St. Carlisle, PA. 17013. If desired, contributions can be sent in Mel’s name to Homeland Hospice, 2300 Vartan Way, Suite 270, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Heffley family.
2 comments on “Melvin Heffley Jr.”
Such fond memories, from helping Mel & Nance find the lot in Perry Co. Mel & Lou working on building the house, picking the grapes while having a picnic, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve with them. The love and care Mel gave Nance during her illness. We are grateful to Jeanette for being there for him. Rest well, dear friend!
I was saddened to receive the news of Mel’s passing. He and Nancy were longtime friends of mine from their Levittown
days. In later years they were very happy living in Perry County where Mel built a beautiful home and vineyard. He was a man of many talents and always amazed me with the projects he had going.
i had much respect for the wonderful care he took of Nancy thru her illness.
To his family and Jeanette please accept my heartfelt sympathy.