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Francis Heitler Obituary
March 21, 1933-
March 6, 2014
Frank was born in New York City to Stephen and Helen Heitler. He was a graduate of New York University and played on their last football team. He taught for many years at Amundsen High in Chicago and also coached the football team. Frank was so beloved by his players that they continued to contact him long after he retired.
He bravely served his country as a first lieutenant in the Marine Corp.
Frank had a lifelong interest in magic and also had a magical relationship with his daughters, Valerie (Peter) Rottman, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Stephanie (Renato) Marmolino, of Spartanburg, S.C. He did everything with them, even teaching them to water ski by standing on the shore, pulling them with a rope.
He was very proud of his grandchildren, Andrea and Gabriella Marmolino of Spartanburg, and Katie and Patrick Rottman of Phoenix.
He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and George Heitler, and is survived by his brother Robert Heitler of New York.
A friendly, cheerful person, Frank was loved and admired by all who knew him. He achieved a great deal in his life but his greatest accomplishment was putting up with the bad puns of Joyce, his beloved wife of 51 years.
A funeral service will be held in the chapel at the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, S.C., on Saturday, March 8 at 11:00 a.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Heitler
Hanh-Trang Tranviet-Ginocchio
March 1, 2021
Has it been almost seven years already? I still remember you coming to dialysis dragging a little suitcase behind you as if you were going to board a train or a plane. Well, we did have our little adventures talking about nutrition, music, life and I hope you had great adventures now where you are, so you don't miss life here much, especially the last year with the virus, the lockdown, the politics...Be well.
Always filled with school spirit!!!
Yvette S.
March 22, 2014
Who's cheering who on!?
Yvette S.
March 22, 2014
Hanh-Trang Tranviet-Ginocchio
March 20, 2014
It was a privilege to know you. Thanks for imparting your kindness, your gentleness, your love of life and of music. With all of those qualities, you are no "Stranger in Paradise" wherever you may go. we miss you very much. My deep sympathy to your family,
Hanh-Trang
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Dan & Lori Barnes
March 17, 2014
Frank really lived life to the fullest...just like his wife Joyce. What an inspirational way to live life. Peace to you.
Dan & Lori Barnes
Port Orange, Florida
Rosemary Tirio (Sparks)
March 11, 2014
Frank's laid-back humor made teaching at Waller and later at Amundsen almost fun. I was fortunate to teach with him at both schools, and he was always a great colleague and good friend. Fare thee well, dear Frank. You will be missed by many.
Bill Ubrig
March 10, 2014
What can we say about a man who sold M&M's for a year and a half so we could have new football pants. One of a kind. As everyone has said he made Amundsen a lot better. I am very fortunate to have spent 4 years learning life's lessons from him. We will see you again on the field, save me number 64.
Larry Basgall
March 10, 2014
Joyce, my heart goes to you. Frank was one of the best. He was a great ally on the good side and played the good game. I will remember him always.
Ruth (Pemberton) McNaughton
March 9, 2014
To the Family of Coach Heitler,
I am so sorry for your loss. Coach Heitler was my basketball coach at Amundsen from 1980-1984. He was a wonderful coach who really cared about his players. He was like a second father to all of us girls on the team. I remember spending so much time in the gym visiting Coach Heitler and Coach Rinka during my study or after school. I admired and loved him so much that he inspired me to become a P.E. teacher and coach. Thanks Coach Heitler for everything. You truly made a difference in my life and I will never forget you! "Victory to the Vikings" and God bless you in Heaven!
Carl Interrante
March 8, 2014
We lost a great man! Many of my fond high school memories are due to one man, Coach Heitler. I learned more from him than any other teacher in Amundsen. Thanks for being my Coach, my Friend and my Hero!
Albert Alfano
March 8, 2014
Joyce,
It was such a pleasure to get to know Frank while both of you took care of Nancy and I in Italy. Frank was such a great man. He made me feel so welcomed and we got along well. Frank is in my prayers.
March 8, 2014
Sending you much love and sympathy. Frank was a wonderful guy. You made his life so happy and fun. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Love, Kathy & Rob
Nancy & John Petralia
March 8, 2014
We only met Frank once...this past January with his lively wife Joyce. He was a charming lunch companion and we're sad to hear of his passing. Our sympathies to Joyce and all the family.
March 8, 2014
Barbara I am sorry to here about the passing of your uncle my prayers are with you and your family I didn't know him but he was a good man from what I read abut him . He is with GOD now.
Samantha Richardson
March 8, 2014
Frank, what a special man and such a gentle soul. I'd like to believe that you'll get a chance to say hi to Craig.
Sleep peacefully and pain free.
Marilyn Engstrom
March 8, 2014
Joyce
So sorry for your loss - you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Phill and Marilyn
Eric norton
March 8, 2014
rip coach and thank you for all that you taught us!
Nancy Alfano
March 8, 2014
RIP Frank, you left this world in a better place because you were in it. My sympathy goes to the family during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosanna Montagna
March 8, 2014
Ho un bellissimo ricordo di Frank, un uomo saggio e divertente. Sono vicina a Joyce nel suo dolore.
catherine venerosp
March 8, 2014
There are no words for such a lose only time can help
Joyce a big hug
cathy
Yvette Spearman
March 8, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Heitler family. Coach Heitler was a great and kind man. He treated us with respect and in return was respected by many. May he rest in peace...
March 7, 2014
MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. COACH HEITLER WAS A GREAT MAN. I REMEMBER HIM CHECKING UP ON ME WHEN I HAD GOT MY FIRST JOB AND HAD TO GO TO SCHOOL. HE ALWAYS HAD GREAT THINGS TO SAY ABOUT ME. I'LL ALWAYS HAVE GREAT MEMORIES OF COACH HEITLER. I'LL MISS HIM. HE IS ONE OF GODS ANGELS NOW. THANK YOU COACH FOR THE KIND WORDS TO MY MOTHER AND TO ALL OF THE KIDS YOU TAUGHT AT AMUNDSEN HIGH SCHOOL. WE THANK YOU GOD FOR LETTING US HAVE THE TIME WITH COACH HEITLER, WE ENJOYED IT. DIANA LYNN CREWS NUYTTENS
margaret schmidt
March 7, 2014
So sorry to learn of Frank's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Louise Pattyn-Bartnicki
March 7, 2014
Coach Heitler, you will be missed. Many fond memories of you coaching the teams that we cheered for. Thanks for the guidance and encouragement!
Steve Alvertos
March 7, 2014
May you rest in peace Coach, you were a great and funny man and treated us all with respect. Thanks for coaching me and thanks for being you, God has called up an angel
Myrna and John Petlicki
March 7, 2014
Frank was a very special person, Joyce. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Walter & Sharon Sanders
March 7, 2014
Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Tom Schraeder
March 7, 2014
Coach Heitler was a great man who influenced many of us at such a young age. He spoke to us kids like we were adults. He taught us more than basketball and football. He taught us about life. He loved us and we loved him. I coached for many years at lower levels and then at Lane for years and used some of his teachings.
Thank you Coach for your teachings.
Francesca Rizzo
March 7, 2014
He was a wonderful teacher and a kind person. He will be missed. My thoughts to the family.
March 7, 2014
My husband Chris and I loved Frank's kindness and cheerfulness. We will miss him.
Cecile Nowatka
Tom Look
March 7, 2014
He was my football coach for 4 years. He was a tremendous influence in my life. He made me a better person. R.I.P. Coach. You will be sorely missed.
P.K. Garmon
March 7, 2014
Thinking of you and your family, Joyce, during this sad time.
March 7, 2014
Coach Heitler was greatly loved by all who he coached including me. I will miss him and always remember him as a very caring man.
DENNIS VELICKOVICH
March 7, 2014
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY COACH HEITLER. R.I.P. COACH
March 7, 2014
I worked with Frank at Amundsen for several years. He was a mentor to me. He was just in my thoughts a few days ago. He was always supportive and helpful as I worked at AHS. He coined the phrase "Victory to the Vikings" he was football coach and girls basketball coach. Love You Frank RIP. Sheryl Rivers.
Richard Straka
March 7, 2014
Sad to see the passing of another Amundsen colleague. I still run into former students who ask about Frank. He touched the lives of so many youngsters. My condolences to Joyce and the entire Heitler family.
Tom Tracey
March 7, 2014
Godspeed Coach ... Thanks for the guidance.
Ingrid (Schubert) Durham
March 7, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family. RIP coach.
Georgia Doane-Thomas
March 7, 2014
So sad to hear this news... Coach was a great inspiration to me in the 70's during my high school years at Amundsen. I would occasionally run into him on the northside of Chicago years later and he was still the funny inspirational person I remembered from years before. He will be missed and remembered by myself and many of my fellow Amundsen Alumni's.
Mitchell & Palma Eisner
March 7, 2014
So very sorry to hear of Frank's passing. He was a very kind man. Joyce and Frank had such a special marriage; and Frank will surely be greatly missed.
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