Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Richard H. HEILMAN

Obituary

Guest Book

Richard HEILMAN Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Richard H. HEILMAN
Start: 2017-03-25T21:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Mark's UMC

Published by Legacy Remembers from Mar. 19 to Mar. 22, 2017.

HEILMAN, Richard H. 68, beloved family man and science teacher, passed away in Tucson on March 9, 2017, after complications from a severe brain hemorrhage. The son of Herbert and Carolyn Heilman, he grew up in Batavia, IL. In 1975, he married the former Sandra Wahl of Naperville, IL, and they moved to Tucson in 1979. For 30 years, "Mr. Heilman" taught 8th-grade science in the Marana Unified School District, where he believed in hands-on learning and loved engaging all types of students in the educational process. He was also active in the Marana Education Association and in his church of 37 years, St. Mark's United Methodist. Richard is survived by his wife, Sandi; his son, Timothy and his daughters, Kelley (Phil) Gruca and Karlyn Heilman. He is also survived by a grandson, Jeremy Gruca; a sister, Nancy (Larry) Fetgatter and nephews, Mark (Albert Sanchez) Fetgatter and Jason Fetgatter. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at St. Mark's UMC, 1431 W. Magee Road, with a reception at the church immediately following. Former students are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to St. Mark's (which will be divided between the Handy Hands Ministry and the Animal Ministry) or to the Marana Unified School District (for the Richard Heilman Memorial Scholarship). The family would also like to thank all of the staff of the neuro-surgical ICU at Banner UMC for their excellent and compassionate care. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.

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

Sign Richard HEILMAN's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

March 31, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

March 30, 2017

skyler feil posted to the memorial.

March 26, 2017

Shirley Boswell posted to the memorial.

32 Entries

March 31, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

skyler feil

March 30, 2017

i feel bad for his family

Shirley Boswell

March 26, 2017

Sandy and family,
I have fond memories of my days teaching
with Rich at Tortolita.

Sue Vanatta (Daniel)

March 25, 2017

Rich is one of the best memories I have from the one year I taught at Tortolita. ( 85-86) He and Sandi were bright spots in a very difficult year of teaching. Even traded me a desk for a chair from their home. So sad to hear of his passing. My prayers and condolences to Sandi and the family.

How you can show support

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Follow this page

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Ben Herr

March 25, 2017

I had the privilege of having Mr. Heilman as my 8th grade science teach at Tortolita Jr. High during the 93-94 school year. I sat up front and enjoyed a year of getting to know Mr. Heilman and hearing all of the stories he liked to share with the kids who sat upfront. I've often thought of Mr. Heilman over the years and shared many of his stories with my wife and kids over. He not only made his class fun but he made science and learning fun as well. My condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a great man and the best science teacher a student could ever have.

KELLEY

March 22, 2017

MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOUR FAMILY A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17

Eric Starcher

March 20, 2017

I also just literally remembered... Rich is the reason I love roller coasters... I had a dibiliating fear of roller coasters... even just looking at them would cripple me.

He held my hand on every roller coaster at Six Flags to make sure I would never have regrets.

He is the reason I have very few fears as an adult.

Eric Starcher

March 20, 2017

Rich was a man that was a big impact on my life. I rode with him two summers in a row to California with the High school Group at St Mark's Church, on McGee, for the Sierra Service Project.

I was a rambunctious kid but he was very calming. He was always there to offer a smile and a joke.

I havent seen him since I moved away and joined the navy in the mid 90's...

He said two things to me on our first trip in 1991 that I repeat on a regular basis... I can still hear him say them...

1. Wear pastels on Wednesdays.

2. Don't eat the salad or spaghetti at Denny's. Both of them were made in the 50's. It's not healthy.

He was a kind soul that left this world way too soon!

Lynette Christian

March 20, 2017

I just saw you Rich with your lovely wife. I am so sorry to hear. Rich was not only a deeply loved and dedicated teacher, making a significant positive difference in the lives of each and everyone of his students, but he made a significant difference with his peers and colleagues. He contributed so much of himself to the Marana Unified School District science and technology programs. You could not ask for a kinder, more gentle person to deal with any school setting situation. Rich will be greatly missed. Prayers of comfort to Rich's family and friends as they grieve, as well as carry on his legacy.

March 20, 2017

He was my 8th grade science teacher. I remembered him as very dedicated to making class fun. Mountain View HS class of 1995.

Nicole Cozad

March 20, 2017

Mr. Heilman was one of the best teachers ever and I was so heartbroken to hear he is no longer with us. I will always remember him as someone who obviously enjoyed teaching, and he always treated his students with kindness and respect. My thoughts and prayers are with his family in hopes that they find much comfort and love during this sad time.

Macanne Otmand

March 19, 2017

He was one of my teachers. I'm Mariana class of 84. I'm so sorry for your loss! I pray God will wrap you in comfort and His love.

D S

March 19, 2017

Mr. Heilman was an amazing teacher. I am very thankful I had the opportunity to be one of his students. My thoughs and prayers go out to his family. You made a difference Mr. Heilman! Thank you!!

Catie M

March 19, 2017

I remember him well; he was one of my favorite teachers and brought science to life. You could just tell he was a genuine, good-hearted person. Prayers to his family and friends, I'm happy to have known and respected him.

Ann Zawada

March 19, 2017

Rich was always supportive and helpful as the head of our Science Department at Tortolita. He not only helped his fellow colleagues, but loved the school and students as well. It was an honor to work with him. Much love to his family.

JoAnn Striplin

March 19, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family. Rich and I did hall duty many times. I'm sure he will be missed.

Jarrod Sanders

March 19, 2017

Richard Heilman you will be missed!

Jarrod Sanders

March 19, 2017

Mr Heilman was an amazing teacher. I looked forward to his class everyday! He would replay recording from the WLS Morning Radio show in Chicago and that is how we started class. It's sad too see you gone big guy you are now resting in peace may god look over you! Thanks for the memories Mr Heilman!Jarrod Sanders

Ruth

March 19, 2017

Me. Heilman was by far, one of my most favorite teachers! He made science fun and interactive, and he didn't treat us like children...he allowed us to be responsible for our own actions and grades. I had a rough time in 8th grade because I had a chronic illness and missed two straight weeks of school. He was more firm with me about my catching up than other teachers, but he was also realistic and sympathetic. He will be greatly missed by many!

Genny Callegari

March 19, 2017

I didn't know Sandi or Richard but I did work with his mother in law Shirley Wahl at DeGrazia. She loved Richard and told many cute stories about her daughter and Richard and what they were up to. The story how he picked up injured animals in the roadway is no surprise to me. Such a great loss at such a young age. Our deep condolences to his family!!!!!

Wendy Spurbeck-McGee

March 19, 2017

I am so sorry to hear that Mr Heilman has passed away, he was an awesome teacher and one who cared. Please accept my condolences and know my prayers are with you all. God Bless. Wendy Spurbeck McGee

Michele Summers

March 19, 2017

I was in Mr. Heilman's science class 29 years ago. I don't remember most of the teachers I had back then, but to this day I could tell you the lessons he taught and the stories he told almost verbatim...I even remember his voice so clearly. I'm so sad to hear this news and I wanted the family to know that I still think of this teacher 30 years later. My thoughts are with the family, Michele Summers (Simmons back then)

Merlynda H.

March 19, 2017

He was the first teacher that I had that made science fun. As I had just moved to Tucson from New England, I was very shy. He had a way of making the kids at ease and really engage and enjoy learning. I've never forgotten him. My sincerest condolences to his family.

M Kincaid

March 19, 2017

Mr. Heilman was an amazing teacher that knew how to connect with his students. He taught my partner (class of 1990) myself (class of 1997) and our sons (class of 2010 and 2012) it's not often that one teacher touches the lives of every member of a family. Mr. Heilman did. When we heard of his passing we all sat around sharing memories of Mr. Heilman and how he touched each of us. Prayers and love from the Winsatt(Johnson)-Kincaid family.

Sally M

March 19, 2017

Rich always had a smile and kind words.

Airiel Millner

March 19, 2017

My condolences to the family. Mr. Heilman is remebered fondly from my time at Tortilita MS.

Dave Neesley

March 19, 2017

I never got to know Rich but attended High school with Sandy. Knowing the lovely caring woman Sandy is speaks volumes about Rich. We spoke often via Facebook and over a 10 year period seeing pictures that were posted I felt the bond between Sandy and Rich. Know he was met at the gates of heaven by comforting smiles and the hands of God.

Courtnay Krsak

March 19, 2017

He was hands down the best science teacher. I learned so much from him. He taught more than science, but how to be a good person. I still remember him saying that he would stop to save animals in the road even after they passed, because every life deserves respect.