Wayne Heller

Wayne Barton Heller, age 87, of Davenport, FL, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026.

He was born in Syracuse, NY on June 3, 1938, the son of the late Stuart and Mary Heller. Stuart was a police officer with the Syracuse Police Department for 35 years. Following in his father's footsteps, Wayne spent his life serving others. Growing up, he was a lifeguard at Jamesville Beach during his later high school years. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1958 and while assigned to the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, served valiantly during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Wayne spent 25 years as an Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff from 1960 through 1985, rising to the rank of Sergeant. He loved serving his community and did so proudly as a lifelong and staunch advocate and supporter of the U.S. military and all law enforcement.

Family was foremost and cherished in his life. In 1970, he married the love of his life, Doris (Gerlitz) Heller, In Amity, NY. He was the proud father of two children, daughter Kimberly A. (Heller) Huntley and son, Marc Wayne Heller. Kimberly passed away on May 19, 2022, after a brave battle against cancer.

Wayne lived a bold and strong faith and his commitment and devotion to God was widely admired and respected. He served as a deacon for the Brewerton Assembly of God and for the Lighthouse Mexico Church of God and was an ordained reverend. He led Bible studies and joyfully volunteered with Teen Challenge and was passionate about sharing his lord and savior, Jesus Christ, with young people. He practiced his faith with his whole heart and spirit and impacted and changed many lives.

In his earlier years, Wayne enjoyed hunting, swimming and snowmobiling. He loved all sports, especially football and basketball, and cheering on Navy, the Syracuse Orange and his son Marc's alma mater, Union College. After retiring in Florida, he brought even more sunshine to others by riding his scooter around his neighborhood where he loved visiting friends and sharing happy moments.

Surviving are Wayne's loving wife, of 55 years, Doris, of Davenport, FL; son, Marc of Hilton Head, SC; son-in-law, Leslie Huntley of Williamstown, NY; granddaughter, Cassandra (Huntley) Novak and her husband, Tom; grandsons, Cody Heller and Caleb Heller; niece, Jennifer (Gerlitz) Burnett and her husband, Corey of Frederick, MD; and nephew, David Gerlitz and wife, Judith of Chantilly, VA. He was predeceased by his daughter, Kimberly in 2022 and by his grandson, Brian W. Huntley in 2023.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Wayne's life this summer in New York. Contributions may be made in Wayne's memory to a charity or organization that will carry forward his treasured legacy of loving and serving others.