Search by Name

Search by Name

Daniel Heller Obituary

HELLER, DANIEL NEAL, 83, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2008, at his home on Miami Beach. As a husband, father, grandfather, lawyer, veteran, and philanthropist, Daniel devoted himself to his family, his clients, and his community. He was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Princeton and Cornell and completed his undergraduate degree at New York University, and thereafter graduated from Harvard Law School . He was formerly General Counsel to The Miami News (a Cox newspaper), the attorney who upheld the constitutionality of the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law, elected National Commander of the Jewish War Veterans of the USA (America's oldest active veteran organization) at age 39, an observer at the Eichmann trial in Jerusalem and the war crimes trial, in Frankfurt, Germany, a National Fund Raiser for United Jewish Appeal, former member of the National Young Leadership Cabinet of United Jewish Appeal, a White House invitee, and an official participant in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. As a supporter of the civil rights movement, he provided free legal services to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference headed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He organized a patriotic brotherhood rally to support Viet Nam veterans at Jackie Gleason Auditorium, which Francis Cardinal Spellman called "his proudest moment". He was a guest of the French Government at the 20th anniversary of D-Day, obtained the first public plea from Pope Paul VI to allow Russian Jews to emigrate, and was invited to Russia by Brezhnev. He was also a 33rd degree Mason, and Assistant Class Instructor at the Miami Scottish-Rite Consistory. Long active in the community, he served as a trustee of the Dade County Public Health Trust, and as a member of the Dade County Council of Arts & Sciences, the Mayor's Committee on the Arts, the original Board of Advisors at Florida International University, was a Board and Executive Committee Member of the Concert Association of Florida, and a Past President of the Florida Harvard Law School Association. At Temple Emanu-el, he was a member of the Board of Trustees, Past President of the Brotherhood, and a confirmation class teacher. He was also a Past President of Men's O.R.T., a founder of Mount Sinai Hospital, and a Past Director of the Miami Beach Junior Chamber of Commerce. Along with the love of his life, his wife of 55 years, Diane Star, he supported the arts and benefited the University of Miami Lowe Art Museum, the Concert Association, the Florida Grand Opera, the New World Symphony, and the Miami City Ballet, among others. He was known for his quick wit, his tenacity, his legal skills, and his bow tie. When he wasn't at the office, he enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and working on his roses. He is survived by his wife Diane Star, his four children Lisa Heller Green (who practiced law with him for 28 years), Mona Kornfeld (Irwin), Douglas Paul Heller (Jane Gilbert), and Brian Lewis Heller (Jennifer), his nine grandchildren, Michael, Abel and Staci Green, David and Susan Kornfeld, Lauren and Myles Heller, and Blythe and Gavin Heller, and his nieces Linda Matter and Mona Meretsky. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth Sholom, 4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach. Donations may be made in his memory to the Concert Association of Florida and the New World Symphony. To visit this Guest Boo k Online, go to www.MiamiHerald.com/obituaries.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Miami Herald from Aug. 5 to Aug. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Heller

Not sure what to say?





Mark Roseman

August 24, 2008

I first met Mr. Heller in 1977. I met him as his client. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known and the most brilliant attorney in my experience.

I feel very sorry for Lisa and the rest of his family.

Warren Adler

August 17, 2008

We were shocked to learn of Danny's death. He was my pal for many years, always called me "scoop." He was, indeed, a great personality, bigger than life. Sunny and I offer our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Warren and Sunny Adler

Jenifer Halpern

August 12, 2008

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Joan and Harry Smith

August 9, 2008

Dear Diane,
Dan has been so prominent in the Miami Community that it will be difficult to imagine it without him. Good deeds, however, live on. We wish you strength and know you will carry yourself with the same dignity as when Dan walked beside you.

peter manners

August 8, 2008

Diane -- much to soon... we miss him already. Our deepest simpathy. Peter and Michelle

Claire Tomlin

August 8, 2008

Dear Diane and family, I am out of town and have just become aware of Dan's death. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. Love,
Claire & Don Tomlin

Dr George and Lela Jacobson

August 7, 2008

Dear Diane - Lela and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this very tragic moment. We hope that time will help to heal your pain and that life will move forward for you.

James Long

August 7, 2008

Dear Diane, I was saddened to learn of Dans passing. He was one of my first customers and my last when i retired from my Miami Rolls Royce repair shop. He helped me with a family problem and saved my sisters home from the governments hands. I respected and Liked him very much.with fondest regards to you and yours.

Donald Lassaw

August 7, 2008

Dear Lisa and the Heller Family,
I met Dan over 37 years ago while attending Miami Beach High. I was introduced to him through his beautiful daughter, Lisa. From the moment we met, I was impressed. Dan could intimidate you with just a look, yet he had a heart as big as the ocean. His advice and kindness was always appreciated. Dan played a big role on why I became a lawyer. After all, we do like to copy our hero’s in life. Dan was the kind of man movies and books are made of. Truly, a one of a kind person with his own style and class. My deepest sympathy, condolences, thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

Suzanne Stolar

August 6, 2008

Dear Diane and Your Loving Family,
Henry and I send our thoughts and understanding on your loss of a great life-long partner. Together, you have done so very much for our Miami community. Thank you. We knew your husband only through brief meetings, and now we know what a truly great person we have all lost. Our condolences.

Mitchell and Edda Rubinson

August 6, 2008

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Bruce Johnson

August 6, 2008

Thirty two years ago I walked into Daniel Neal Heller's office with a problem. Scared by far wealthier oppositon with stout legal representation in a civil matter. We had made inquiries as to who was considered the most brilliant legal mind in south Florida. The retainer wasn't cheap, but, hiring him had the desired effect. We won the day with his first letter. It stopped them in their tracks. I'm saddened to hear of his passing.

Roslyn & Saul Cohen (2207)

August 6, 2008

Dear Jennifer and Brian:
Our condolences to you and your family on the loss of your dear one.
Roslyn & Saul Cohen

Dan Bowden

August 6, 2008

Brian, I remember your father, Daniel Neal Heller, well-- first, from his association with Ransom Everglades School when you were a student here and later from his active community involvement. We shall all of us miss his generous, caring spirit. I feel for all members of your family at this sad time. Years and years ago you and your mother and father, Brian, were on a Pan Am flight to London. I was on that same flight, and your father, so typically, invited me to join you later for dinner. I was unable to make it, but I've always remembered that kindness. Come visit me some of these days.

Sue Rivera

August 6, 2008

On behalf of the staff of the office of Dr. Nathan Segel, we extend our deepest sympathies on the passing of Mr. Heller. He always brought a bit of sunshine to the office and he will be sorely missed.

paul gifford

August 6, 2008

i am deaply saddened by the passing of a great lawyer and a good friend

Mildred (Mickey) Gittelson

August 6, 2008

I am so sorry for the passing of Dan.
I am grateful for knowing him and Diane. My blessings and love to you all.

Rhea Grossman

August 5, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the family.

Sam Matter

August 5, 2008

Words do not express the sorrow I felt when I learned of Danny's passing. In all the years I knew him, I genuinely considered him to be my "uncle". He never showed me anything but warmth, humor, affection and compassion. I think all of us have lost a piece of our own hearts with his passing. Danny definitely had two sides...his professional side and his personal side. I was fortunate to know his personal side for many years. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

Jill Kerr Richman

August 5, 2008

Dear Lisa and the Heller Family,
Dan was my hero 30 years ago when I went to him for my divorce. He was a genius. Tough when needed and got the results you wanted. After all these years, whenever we would see one another he was always so kind and funny. Remembering and making a comment about my ex husband and always asking thoughtfully about my son and how he was doing.I will miss Dan ....he truly was one of a kind. Please accept my deepest condolance.
Most sincerely,
Jill Kerr Richman

Michael Kamen

August 5, 2008

My deespest condolences.

Robert De Ycaza

August 5, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult times.

Laura Costanzo

August 5, 2008

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Earl Welbaum

August 5, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in Daniel Heller's name

Memorial Events
for Daniel Heller

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Daniel's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Daniel Heller's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more