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Theodore Heller Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Heller
Rich Foley
October 7, 2006
God bless you Mr. Heller. We need more people like you. My acerbic pen is at the ready.
Mary Cascella
April 25, 2006
Although I never met your father, on his behalf and others, I will proudly write an acerbic letters to Republicans in his honor. God Speed.
Ann L.
March 4, 2006
I didn't know Ted, but he sounds like a great man and I agree with his politics. I was a student of Sonya at the Francis Parker school. I am looking for her children. My classmate, Bill Freehling, has written a book on the civil war, which he dedicated to Sonya, who inspired his choice to become an historian. He would like to send copies to her children if we can locate them. I currently live in Oberlin Ohio. I would appreciate it if you could e-mail me this information. Thank you.
Aaron Pryor
January 18, 2006
I have dedicated my longstanding acerbic letter to Republicans, ketchupisavegetable, to the memory of Theodore Roosevelt Heller.
Elaine Merrill
December 30, 2005
My sympathies to the Heller family. Although, I never met Theodore, from what others have written I believe he left the world a better place. I will gladly write an acerbic letter to Dubya.
Elaine Merrill
Michele S
November 9, 2005
Charles I didn't get to tell you how sorry I am for your father's demise when the family got together last weekend. Both he and you are in my prayers.
Michele
S. Schwartz
November 9, 2005
This obit came to me in a rather out of the way manner, and very much by surprise. It not only provided me with quite a chuckle, but brought back memories of old. I had had the good fortune of
having known his sister,Sonya,back in our high school days (Von Steuben, Chicago) many years ago. Had never known Ted, and wasn't sure that the sister mentioned in his obit was the same Sonya I knew. There might have been other Sonya Hellers, but then I remembered that the Sonya I knew had signed my high school year book "From the girl with the 'meshougenah'(lovingly) brother to the one with the 'beau frere'". I knew then that I had the right Sonya. Unfortunately, Sonya died much, much too young. I know though that had she lived
she would have been as outstanding a person as her brother, having been a very remarkable person in her youth.
My sentiments are wholeheartedly with Ted's.
My condolences to Ted's family for the loss of Ted, as well as of Sonya.
Bob Kish
November 8, 2005
If Mr. Heller was anything like his son Charles then he
had convictions of steel tempered by a heart of gold.
Condolences to the family and cheers to Mr. Heller for a
life well lived.
Sean Lotz
November 7, 2005
My sympathy on the loss of Mr. Heller. I will gladly write another acerbic letter soon to a Republican, most likely our president, and will do so in honor of Theodore Roosevelt Heller. In all sincerity, I found something beautiful and inspiring in this obituary. Thank you to the writer. And my God bless the family.
Karen Heslop
November 2, 2005
Was doing some research on the web and found this site. Enjoyed my visit
Tom Martin
November 1, 2005
Its hard to lose a loved one, but memories keep them fresh in our minds. And you have such good ones.
Donna Harper
October 31, 2005
What a way to go! I am glad Mr. Heller got to live in a blue city in a blue state. His comments brought a smile to my face and made me realize that even in death we can make others feel good.
Pat Dade
October 25, 2005
I never met him in life, but he will live on in my memory...even death couldn't stop him fighting the Republicans!I have posted his obituary to people around the world as an example of the ALL AMERICAN attitude of never giving up the fight...even in death!
Repect and love from England
Larry Bristow
October 24, 2005
My condolences to the family, and my dissapointment at never having met Mr.
Heller. I feel certain we could have found mutually endearing motivations for conversation. Thank you and your family for the obituary.
John Jewett
October 20, 2005
Without ever knowing him. I mourn the lose of a remarkable man. In his name do I take this pen to paper. My sincere condolences and God Bless you! Lookout God here he comes!
Ron and Patti Lee Crawford
October 20, 2005
To have shared this planet with such a man as Theodore Roosevelt Heller is an honor. Acerbic letters to Republicans...a DUTY! Our sincere condolences to Mr. Hellers family and friends.
Laura Farmer
October 20, 2005
Acerbic letters will be written with cc: T. R. Heller at the end. Let the Republicans know his name.
Philip Kralovec
October 20, 2005
Sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Heller. I know it is a tremendous loss for you but also a tremendous loss for the sanity of this country.
Jim and Julie Ross
October 19, 2005
We did not know Mr. Heller but will gladly honor his life with acerbic letters to republicans. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Dan Perkins
October 19, 2005
I am sorry I did not know him personally. I am sorry for your loss.
Chris K
October 19, 2005
Didn't know him, but if the epitaph was an indication, sounds like he was a classy, mischievous fellow. It would be a fitting tribute if the term "Heller letters" entered the common lexicon...
My condolences to his family and friends on their loss.
MizMoon Arden
October 18, 2005
Theodore Roosevelt Heller's passing was a loss to many of us. Although I didn't know him, I will think of him in my acerbic thoughts about Republicans - I will be thinking of TRH often!
MizMoon
Paul Gruendler
October 18, 2005
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob keep his soul forever, "....gathered unto his fathers."
Joan Patterson
October 18, 2005
Thank you, Mr. Heller. You must have been a great guy. Wish I had known you.
j bl
October 18, 2005
Sounds like agreat man.
I wish I'd known him.
Chris
October 17, 2005
I enjoyed this thoroughly, although I don't think my grandfather and Mr. Heller will have much to talk about if they bump into each other.
joyce jonas
October 17, 2005
What a wonderful story that says so much about a passing generation that I fear will not be seen again in our lifetimes. Here's to the real heroes like Theodore Roosevelt Heller. May he rest in eternal peace with Abraham, Moses. loyal and steadfast in their mission.
Dolly Arsenault
October 17, 2005
What a dear, sweet man. He will be missed by not only his family and friends but also those of us who wished we had known him.
May his family and friends rest in peace; he is already resting there.
Blessings.
julie berg
October 17, 2005
To Theodore Roosevelt Heller's family:
My father, also a Jewish WWII veteran, passed away about a month ago. He would have loved to have had everyone writing acerbic letters to Republicans in his memory. I'm glad that you thought of it. Sounds like my dad will have some good company up there.
Katherine Smith
October 17, 2005
What a guy Mr. Heller must have been! I send my condolences to his family and my promise to send some nicely acerbic letters to Republicans in his honor and his memory. I applaud his spirit and his humor, and I love the irony of his name.
Jake Jacobs
October 16, 2005
Like many others who have left their condolences, I did not know Mr. Heller personally, but wish I had. I write the requested acerbic letters on a regular basis; but, from this point forward, Mr. Heller will always be in my thoughts as I do. We clearly saw the world in a similar way.
My sincerest condolences for the loss of a man who was surely beloved by his family and friends and whose heart was in the right place.
sebastian Hammond
October 16, 2005
i am sorry for your loss.
Tom Cooley
October 16, 2005
As I mourn the loss of my best friend 4 days ago, reading this obituary has brightened my evening. While there is one less person here to take pen in hand for those acerbic letters, I am inspired to pen some "acerbic letters to Republicans" in the names of both Rick Wienir and Theodore Roosevelt Heller. I know that Rick would be writing them as well, were he still here for me to share your message with. My deepest condolences on your loss.
Peg Kelly
October 15, 2005
I never knew Mr. Heller, and yet, I feel as if I did. My sincere condolences to all his loved ones. I have written acerbic letters to Republicans in the past and I will continue to do so, with Mr. Heller and my own father (a World War II vet) in mind.
Peg Kelly
Easthampton, MA
Pat Gandy
October 15, 2005
An innovative and interesting way to end one's life. I salute Mr. T.R. Heller and the spirit he represents,the real American spirit!May free speech and freedom to practice the Bill of Rights always rule this country and no ONE MAN/ or WOMAN!
Maya Blumenthal-Grabenstetter
October 15, 2005
Dear Heller Family:
The late great Theodore Roosevelt Heller certainly deserved his middle name. As I frequently write letters of critism and reproof to Republicans, I will dedicate them now to this wonderful man whose dying behest is an inspiration to us all.
Steve Cox
October 15, 2005
As like many others, I also did not know Mr. Heller, however it will be an honor to do as he requested. Acerbic letters shall be written and delivered, sir. God rest your soul.
Andrea Phillips
October 15, 2005
While I did not know Mr. Heller he sounds like a fine human being and his loss is a loss to us all.
Robert Knowles
October 14, 2005
I didn't know Mr. Heller but he was one heck a a man. A gallant Aerican defending our freedom. I will in lieu of flowers send ascebic letters to the republicans as Mr Heller wanted.
Marguerite Czajka
October 14, 2005
My sympathies to Mr. Heller's family. He was a great man to the end, and I'm pleased to honor his wish. And my admiration extends to those he left to carry on for their communicating such a worthwhile last request.
Harry Muntz
October 14, 2005
I too am one of the many here who never even heard of mr Heller. But I will also write some bitter letters to Rebulicans.
I am sure Mr Heller was A service to his country that has inspired.
Linda Carvel
October 14, 2005
To The Heller Family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Father. I and my family honor his service to his country and his commitment to be a mensch. It will be my pleasure to honor Mr. Heller's wishes. In the tradition of Shiva I will send one acerbic letter to the republican representatives from our state daily for one week. Thank you for sharing this mitzvah.
Sincerely,
Linda C.
Minneapolis MN
Dave Javens
October 14, 2005
Dear Heller Family,
First my condolences to you all. Mr. Heller sounds like he was a great american, as well as a person who fights for what he believes in. Too bad the world seems to fall short of his example.
I will always keep his story in my mind.
Megan C
October 14, 2005
I didn't know Mr. Heller and I don't know his family, but I will happily write the requested letters. Thank you for your service to our country. May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted at this time!
Mary Laiuppa
October 14, 2005
Blessings on you Mr. Heller. You sound like you were quite a guy. I wish I had had the pleasure of acquaintance. It would give me joy to grant your last request.
Dana Eades
October 14, 2005
I will gladly comply with the request for acerbic letters, not only in Mr Heller's name, but also in the name of my grandfather, who was also a WW2 vet and whose middle name was Heller.
Gary Poliakoff
October 14, 2005
My hat is off to the great Mr. Heller. A credit to his country and religion.
Elizabeth Niederer
October 14, 2005
Ah dear Mr. Heller, how I wish I had known you. I hope you heard many thankyous in person from the people you fought to free from tyranny.
It will be my pleasure to send the type of memorial gift you have requested.
Dear Heller family, my condolences on your loss, and my thanks for sharing such a brilliant verbal snapshot of your father. It made him come alive to me.
Starshadow (none)
October 14, 2005
Wish I'd known the gentleman, as he seemed like my type of people. I will honor his memory by writing the aforesaid acerbic letters. Thank you, Heller family, for sharing his legacy with us all. I grieve with thee. I'm sure he's kicking behind in the afterlife, too, good on him.
Mary Mullane
October 14, 2005
Rest in peace, Mr. Heller! You were truly one of the greatest generation. Thank you for serving your country even after death. Rest assured that from now on my acerbic letters to Republicans will contain a tribute to you and your family. And to the family of Ted Heller--thank you for including the "in lieu of flowers..." message in your loved one's obituary. My sincere condolences,
Annette Allgood
October 14, 2005
I wish I'd known this wonderful man! Acerbic letters have been sent in his honor~
aya
Paul Walker
October 14, 2005
Never met Mr. Heller, but I appreciate the comments his family or he chose as his epitaph.
Sandor Silverman
October 14, 2005
In accordance with Mr. Heller's wishes, acerbic letters have been sent to Republicans.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Heller.
Mike Crum
October 14, 2005
Dear Heller Family, It will be a plesure the honor the memory Mr. Heller. Thank you the opportunity to honor him, and for honoring his wishes. Now, off to write those letters.
Rachel Pisarek
October 14, 2005
Soldiers such as Mr. Heller freed my grandparents from the concentration camps of WWII. His legacy will be that he sacrificed and stood up for freedom even in his death. My acerbic letters to Republicans will now contain a tribute to you as well Mr. Heller. Shalom.
A Corotis
October 14, 2005
Thank you, Heller family, for honoring your loved one's legacy in this way.
Lane Devereux
October 14, 2005
I did not know Mr. Heller, but I wish I had. He sounds like a terrific person with a strong sense of duty and a good sense of humor. My condolences to his family.
Amy Archer
October 14, 2005
Mr. Heller must have been delightful, and my condolences go out to your family.
In honor of a true American patriot, I'm off to write those letters!
Carole McIntyre
October 14, 2005
I'm sorry I have never met Mr. Heller; I shall certainly oblige the request in lieu of flowers.
Charles Raven
October 14, 2005
What a sense of humor for a man having gone through life named for a Republican. God rest his soul.
Alistair Coleman
October 14, 2005
My country owes everything to men like Mr Heller who gave everything in the name of freedom.
My home town remembers the thousands and thousands of US troops who passed through on their way to conflict.
Personally, Mr Heller represents everything that is great about your nation, and even though I know him only through his superb obituary, I thank G-d for a live well lived.
Leslie O
October 14, 2005
I only wish I had the opportunity to have known him. Thanks to him for serving our country and standing up for its ideals!
My sympathies to his family.
Keta Hodgson
October 14, 2005
To the family of Thomas Heller: may you find comfort in your happy memories of a life lived with guts and humor and a high sense of duty. Blessings to you for sharing this final gift with the world. As requested, ascerbic letters to Republicans winging their way in Mr. Heller's memory.
Carol Javens
October 13, 2005
What a man - and thank you Heller family for letting us be a part of his legacy. May my family says such things about me someday. My letters will be sent in his honor.
Lauren Beth Gash
October 13, 2005
My thoughts are with the family at this time. Many of us in the Chicago area are writing letters this week in honor of Mr. Heller.
Juan Castro
October 13, 2005
A person who maintains this kind of sharp wit even in the final moment of his life HAS to be a truly admirable person. "Acerbic letters to Republicans!" ROFL!
Rest in Peace, Mr. Heller. And thanks for kicking Nazi butt. I am not an American citizen or resident, but you didn't just serve America -- you served the WORLD.
Kevin Reidy
October 13, 2005
Because of the sacrifices made by true Patriots such as Mr. Heller, I reap the benefits of living in a free society. I will gladly do as he wishes, sending off each letter with a prayer. Shalom.
Mary Hinds
October 13, 2005
I am so grateful for the greatest generation and the sacrifices Mr. Heller made for us. My admiration and respect to the family, for reflecting Mr. Heller's wishes in this notice. Condolences to you.
Susan Gendreau
October 13, 2005
The Greatest Generation indeed! Thank you, Mr. Heller, for all you did for our country, and thank you and your survivors for the last service you did with your obit.
Susan Gendreau
October 13, 2005
The Greatest Generation indeed. Thank you, Mr. Heller, for all you did for your country, and thank you and your survivors for the last service you did with your obit.
Mona Grady
October 13, 2005
Rest in peace Mr. Heller. Your family and your country are very proud of you. Now it's time for the rest of us to fight the good fight.
Jim Johnson
October 13, 2005
Great name for a obvioulsy great American. Mr. Heller, I will continue to send acerbic comments and statements to the facists now controlling and taking over our Democracy until hell freezes over, and you can count on that -- I plan on sending a few in your honor Sir, as a reminder that there are great people out there, concerned people, who wanted nothing more that a chance to prove that this great country can become greater still. Mr. Heller, my hat is off to you - may you find peace. So many of us who did not know you found your obit encouraging - thanks for the extra energy! I'll use it wisely! Peace to you Mr. Miller, may God carry your soul into the hereatfer in his glorius Song, and may eternity embrace you for the proud and courageous individual that I am sure you were.
DANIEL MILLER
October 13, 2005
I never had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Heller but it is clear thqat he was an honorable and intelligent individual who will be missed by his loved ones. I will definitly be writting those letters.
Brindle Zimmerman
October 13, 2005
Ha-Makom yenahem etkhem b'tokh sha ar aveilei Tzion vYerushalayim. Seven days of letters, I shall write.
Edith Swiatek
October 13, 2005
My deepest sympathies to Charles, Joann and other family members. What an incredible man Theodore must have been. I will honor his request and keep those letters going...Mr. Heller, thanks for the reminder.
Stephen Welch
October 13, 2005
I never had the opportunity of knowing him, but here is to one of the last of the "greatest generation." I will begin writing my letters today.
Kathy Powell
October 13, 2005
Mr. Heller is true patriot and an inspiration. May G-d bless him and his family. I'm sure a man with this sense of purpose and humor will be missed.
Pam Chamberlain
October 13, 2005
My sympathies go out to Mr. Heller's family upon what must be a terrible loss. I wish I could have met him - we should all be proud to have enjoyed his service to our country. Rest assured that letters will be going out from Pittsburgh as well!
Quinton Kruse
October 13, 2005
For everything there is a season.
For everyone there is a journey.
At this time of sorrow and loss, it is my prayer for those who will miss you that solice and peace will mark this passing.
Bob Kincaid
October 13, 2005
I told my father, also a WWII vet about Mr. Heller's passing and his last request. "Write those letters, son," he said, "and make 'em a doozy. It's the least we can do, as well as the most."
One can't help but smile at the prospect of Republican politicans all over this land reading jeremiads against their policies, scratching their heads and asking "Who WAS Theodore Heller? And why won't his friends leave me alone!"
All blessings upon Mr. Heller and you, his family.
Ellen Lincourt
October 13, 2005
My prayers are with Mr. Heller and his family. Thank you for caring enough to serve our country during WWII and thank you for caring for our country enough to try to motivate others today. We could use an entire generation of people like Mr. Heller.
Francesca Cangialosi
October 13, 2005
May G-d bless you and your family. I will honor your last wishes and send many letters as requested.
I would have loved to have known you and am grateful for your life and service to our country. Thank you for ensuring my freedom.
Tiphanie Mayfield
October 13, 2005
While I've never had the pleasure of knowing Ted, its clear he was a great man and a true patriot through and through. I will gladly honor his wishes.
Mike Kelly
October 13, 2005
In memory of Mr. Heller please be assured that your request for correspondance will be met by the hundreds from Texas. He must have been a fighter all his life.
Steve Crandall
October 13, 2005
I never had the honor of knowing Mr Heller, but he sounds like a remarkable person.
I will honor his memory and write seven letters in the next seven days.
My wishes for peace to your family in this time of loss.
Grace Davis
October 13, 2005
What a life well lived! This obituary has now become legendary on the Web, and justly so. Not only will I send acerbic letters to Republicans, but to Ann Coulter, Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly and Laura Schlessinger, as well.
May Ted Heller's memory and spirit live on!
Dee Jay
October 13, 2005
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. What a loss for America.
Don Spencer
October 13, 2005
MY heart goes out to your family. At your request and to honor your loved one, rest assured acerbic letters will be written. Mr. Heller must have been a wonderful person--it would have been an honor meeting him. I am sure he will be missed.
Jeff Atkinson
October 13, 2005
My heartfelt condolences to your family. Although I likely never met Mr Heller, he sounds like someone I would have been honored to have met.
Know that letters are being written and I will think of him every time I do so.
bascombe builianco
October 13, 2005
My sincerest condolences to the family for what must have been a great loss.
Thank you so much for the wonderful life you must have led to warrant such a timely and moving sendoff.
We could all do with the moxie to send them all packing in 2006.
Amy Burgess
October 13, 2005
My thoughts and prayers for the Heller Family. May you have peace knowing that Mr Heller is an inspiration to all that will follow him in the service of this great county.
His wishes will be honored and the letters will be written.
God Bless you Mr. Heller.
Herbert Secreti III
October 13, 2005
My prayers are with the Heller Family. What a great loss for our nation. He was a true Patriot and my letters have been sent.
jonrex anderson
October 13, 2005
God Bless Mr. Heller for serving as a true patriot and voicing dissent at a time when such expression is commonly seen as 'unamerican'; when in fact there is nothing more American and patriotic a person could do.
God Bless the Hellers
yolanda holtzee
October 13, 2005
Thank G-d indeed for such a mensch. America needs more men like Mr. Heller.
A C
October 13, 2005
Mr. Heller, your last wishes will be granted with much enthusiasm. To the family of Mr. Heller, I'm sorry for your loss.
Stephen Gellis
October 13, 2005
Mr. Heller sounds like a fascinating person and a true American Hero whose views were enriched by a sense of humor. It appears he led a full and honorable life to the very end and left his mark on the world.
What more could any of us hope to achieve?
Miriam
October 13, 2005
Ha-makom y'nachem et-chem b'toch sh'ar availai tziyon v'yerushalayim.
May G-d comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerushalem.
C Invid
October 13, 2005
Beautiful. A true American, one who for a change actually had the best interests of this country in mind...
Nathaniel Engelsen
October 13, 2005
Mr. Heller is an inspiration to us all. I offer my condolences for his passing, but know that his story strikes the right chord in so many of us.
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