John Heinz

His Philosophy

Motivated by a deep belief in individual dignity, John Heinz strove to protect the most vulnerable citizens of our society, particularly children and the elderly. As a philanthropist, he focused on the development of inventive programs to empower the disenfranchised and he worked to create practical social models that could ultimately lead to policy change.

That same spirit guided his political career. John Heinz believed that government has an inherent responsibility to guarantee the well-being of all members of society. He authored legislation to protect the Social Security benefits of the elderly and prevent their premature entry into nursing homes, and regarded basic and preventive healthcare as a right - not a privilege. He dedicated himself to the creation of an equitable healthcare system that no longer would neglect children, the elderly or the poor. He fought to ensure that children with special needs, denied federal benefits because they suffered from unapproved illnesses, were provided the benefits to which he passionately believed they were entitled. He also worked to make the best healthcare technology available to those who need it most, including expectant mothers in need of prenatal care and children with special needs. At the same time, he worked to stop the fraudulent and abusive practices driving up the cost of healthcare.

An avid sportsman and lover of beauty in the arts and in nature, he established his reputation as a protector of the environment through his involvement in "Project 88," which recommended market-based solutions to environmental problems; the Pennsylvania Wilderness Act; and his chairmanship of GLOBE, U.S.A. (Global Legislators for a Balanced Environment).

John Heinz also brought the experiences of one of the most successful entrepreneurial families in America to bear as a policy maker in international commerce. His Senate activities included service on the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; Chairmanship of the Subcommittee on International Finance and Monetary Policies; Chairmanship of the Special Committee on Aging; Chairmanship of the Republican Conference Task Force on Job Training and Education; National Commission on Social Security Reform, and the National Commission on Health Care Reform.

John Heinz labored to make a difference in this world, to be an empathetic advocate and to produce results. The Heinz Family Foundation and the Heinz Awards exist in large part to honor his memory, to celebrate excellence and the human spirit, and to inspire us with examples of what that spirit can achieve.

His Life

Born October 23, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, John Heinz was the only child of industrialist and philanthropist H. J. Heinz II and Joan Diehl (Heinz) McCauley. Heinz lived with his mother and stepfather, U.S. Naval Aviator Captain C.C. "Monty" McCauley, after his parents divorced in 1942. He grew up mainly in San Francisco and spent many summers with his father in Pittsburgh.

Heinz graduated from Yale University in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in History, Arts and Letters, a special honors major, and received his Master's in Business Administration from Harvard in 1963. He met his future wife, the former Teresa Simões-Ferreira, in Geneva, Switzerland, during a summer break from graduate school.

Heinz enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and was on active duty in 1963. His early career included work as a special assistant to Senator Hugh Scott (R-PA) and as assistant campaign manager in Scott's re-election bid.

He then worked in Pittsburgh in the financial and marketing division of the family firm from 1965 to 1970. From 1970 to 1971, Heinz taught business in the Graduate School of Industrial Administration at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Heinz entered politics in 1971 when Congressman Robert Corbett of Pennsylvania's 18th District died. After a Republican nomination primary victory, he won a special election for Corbett's unexpired term and won re-election easily in 1972 and again in 1974.

When Senator Scott retired in 1976, Heinz battled to an election victory as U.S. Senator. He was re-elected in 1982 and 1988 and served in the Senate until his untimely death April 4, 1991. Senator Heinz died in a plane crash in Philadelphia, en route to Medicare fraud hearings.

During his tenure, Senator Heinz held over 500 town meetings and made countless visits to meet with Pennsylvania's students, civic leaders, public officials, educators, working people and newspaper editorial boards.

John Heinz’s three sons are Henry John IV, André, and Christopher.