ALTAMONT — John Heidinger, a religious man and lover of trains, died on Friday, on Dec. 27, 2013. He was 74.

Mr. Heidinger was born on Sept. 22, 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of the late Rose and Peter Heidinger.

He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1961.

He married the love of his life, Mary, on Sept. 26, 1964. The couple would have celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2014.

He worked for New York Telephone-Nynex-Verizon for 38 years.

Mr. Heidinger enjoyed fishing and golf with his friends, but was most known for his love of trains. He had an outdoor railroad in his backyard.

He considered Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, to be his “engineer” in life, and belonged to the Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship for many years.

His family extends a special thank you to the staff at Our Lady of Mercy Life Center, in Guilderland, for the kindness and care give to Mr. Heidinger. 

He is survived by his children, John, and his wife, Krista, Eric, and his wife, Jean, Jennifer, and Bradford; his grandchildren, Jared and Elaina; his brother, Peter Heidinger, and his wife, Karen; and many nieces and nephews. 

Calling hours will be held at the Fredendall Funeral Home, in Altamont, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with a funeral service to follow.

Online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.