Wilmer Heater

Wilmer (Mike) Heater
of Binghamton
In the early hours of August 8th, 2009, Wilmer C. Heater (Mike), 79, of Chenango Bridge, NY joined his wife, Tove in Heaven. Mike passed away peacefully at his home in his sleep after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was cared for in his home by his loving family, especially his granddaughter, Jackie. He was predeceased by his wife, Tove on January 27th, 1999, after over 41 years of marriage. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Debbie and Marv Sturdevant of Chenango Bridge, NY, and Diana and Bruce Swagler of Port Crane, NY. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brent and Rachel Atwood of Lehighton, PA, Jackie Atwood of Chenango Bridge, NY, Jen and Joe Garritano of Newark, NY, Dustin Sturdevant of Chenango Bridge, NY, Derek Sturdevant of Chenango Bridge, NY, and Matthew Swagler of Port Crane, NY; and great-grandson, Nicholas Garritano of Newark, NY. He is also survived by his sisters, Mae Stoddard of Montrose, PA, Ruth Gunther of Binghamton, NY; sister-in-law, Betty and Alex Hunter of Binghamton, NY; and several nieces and nephews. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired from Singer-Link after 32 years of dedicated service working on such things as the Apollo and other jet simulators. Mike was a handyman who enjoyed working in his workshop. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spent many hours bird watching. Mike's family would like to thank the Lourdes Hospice staff, especially his nurse, Barbara and nurse's aide, Rhonda for their exceptional care in Mike's last months. We would also like to thank Mike's neighbors, Tim and Liz Strnatka, Dennis and Pat Cluck and Gene and Kathy Nearing for their friendship over the years.
At Mike's request, there will be no service. Burial will be in the South Street Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being made by Wm. R. Chase and Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson, NY. Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal, NY 13850.