Gary Grant Heller, 74, passed away on March 30, 2023 after an 18 year battle with Parkinson's Disease and Dementia at Heather Knoll Rehabilitation Center.
Gary was born on Wednesday March 31st, 1948 in Akron Ohio to the late Grant and Beatrice (Smith) Heller.
Gary graduated from Ellet High School in 1966. He served in The United States Navy and was deployed to the Vietnam War in 1969. After his return from the war he followed in the footsteps of his father and his Uncle Austin (Heller) by becoming a proud employee of the Ohio Edison Electric Company for 42 years.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his Sister Diana Wright, his Father in law and Mother in law- Bernard and Ruth (Maistros) Kinsinger and two of his best friends/Brother in laws, Larry Wright and Alvin Smith.
Gary is survived by his best friend and Wife of 52 years, Debbie (Kinsinger) Heller, Daughters, Tricia Pihlblad, Tiffany Heller, Kimberly Jackson, Granddaughters Zoey, Hayley and Chloe, Sisters in law- Darlene (Joe) Spadaro, Carolyn Smith and Brother in law - Bernie (Gina) Kinsinger. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and relatives.
Gary was a proud husband, father and doting grandfather. His family was his entire world. He prided himself on being the man they could look to for guidance and always admire. He was a man of his word, full of integrity and held impeccable character. His granddaughters will forever treasure the memories of the many trips to the Outer Banks with their Papa where they spent countless hours on the top deck of the beach house watching the waves roll in and making memories that will last a lifetime.
Gary's love for fishing and golfing created the bond he held with his Father, Brothers in law and Nephews. There was not a season that went by that they did not spend quality time together either casting a line or swinging a golf club.
A special thank you to the nurses, aides and physical therapist at Heather Knoll Rehabilitation Center for the phenomenal care and unconditional love that each of you shared with our father. Each of you truly are a gift from God- the love you gave to our father and to our family will never be forgotten.
Per Gary's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, April 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation for one hour prior at St. Francis de Sales Church, 4019 Manchester Rd., Akron, OH 44319. Following inurnment at Holy Cross Cemetery, a memorial luncheon for family and friends will be held at the St. Francis de Sales Parish Memorare Center.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson Research.