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Richard C. Heisler
Richard C. Heisler
Obituary
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Richard Heisler Obituary
Of Brookline suddenly on Thursday November 6, 2008. Beloved husband of Nikki (Smerdell); father of Richard A. Stepfather of Brian J. Smerdell; brother of Judith Ann Steele, William Louis Heisler, Jr., Gregory A. Heisler and Mary Beth Schiedig. Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Monday November 10 at 1 pm in the Chapel of Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of FRANK F. DeBOR FUNERAL HOME, INC., 1065 Brookline Blvd., 412-561-0380.
www.deborfuneralhome.com
Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb
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Marie-Catherine Janssen
October 7, 2009
I only have fond thoughts when I think back on my CCAC days and Rick Heisler is definitely part of them. I was saddened by the news but couldn't help but smile thinking back on the good times we had in class, including dropping elaborately designed packages containing glasses out of the window of the art building. Only Mr. Heisler would have thought of such a cool project!
I will always remember him fondly.
J C Jones
May 12, 2009
Rick will never be gone. I hear his voice all the time reminding me of wisdoms I learned from him during my education at CCAC. I have to say that I honestly hated the guy when I first met him. For the longest time I fought against everything he tried to teach me. I hated him because I knew he was right and I wasn't ready to accept it! It took me years to learn to listen to the wisdom he had to share. I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to get to know Rick Heisler. He was a great man, a wonderful artist, and a persistent mentor! I will always cherish the wisdom I gained from him!
~Till we meet again...
David Brown
February 11, 2009
I was an exchange proffessor from England. I worked in the Art Dept. at CCAC 1978-1979. Rick an I shared an office. We became good friends. He used to prepare clay for me, amongst many other jobs he did in the dept. in those days. I taught him to play darts, in the free time before night classes started. Rick and I corresponded on and off, for about 10 years after I retuned to England, and I often tried to pursuade him to visit us in Enland. He never did. Eventually we stopped writing and lost touch. However, about 18months ago I re-discovered him when as a late convert to the internet, I lookedup the CCAC web site. We exchanged a few reminiscing emails. I was amazed and delighted to learn of his proffessional success. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to communicate wth him again before his sad demise. I know he touched the lives of many and will be sadly missed.
Amber
February 10, 2009
Heisler,
You were the absolute best. I never thought I would have to write to you or about you in an obituary guestbook. Words cannot describe what an awesome guy you really were. Thanks for the memories we have given each other. This world will not be the same without you. We all miss you.
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Tom, Joann & Tiffany Grejda
February 7, 2009
Dear Nikki, we are saddened to hear of your loss, your husband sounded like a wonderful man. May God grant you his strength to heal your heart. Please know you are in our prayers.
David Demoise
January 25, 2009
I just recently found out about Rick when I looked him up online. I graduated back in December of '97. Rick was a great guy. You respected him because he was firm, and a person who should be teaching. My condolences go out to his family. He's missed very much.
Danielle Young
December 1, 2008
The Heisler Family,
You all have my deepest sympathy. Rick was an incredible person. He was the perfect gentleman, a free and happy spirit of a human being, he was my buddy! He helped me through the most difficult time in my life, the loss of my first born! He would listen to my pain and help me see the need to go on. He was always there for me and many others. He was an extraordinary person whom I will miss and never forget.
Ed Rideout, Jr.
November 21, 2008
Rick Heisler was an American hero.
Quietly and effectively, he was a mentor, friend, and father figure to thousands of people graced with his thoughtfulness, straight-forward approach, sense of humor, and compassionate spirit.
Rick was a dynamic administrator and teacher at CCAC. However, I will most remember this: his kindness, his brutal honesty, his integrity, his laugh, his smile, his grace, his charm.
Rick was CCAC's Tim Russert, a beacon of character, of light, of goodness, of hope, of diligence, of everything honorable in this country.
I cried like a baby when I discovered he passed away. Rick was a dear friend, a kindred spirit.
Rick profoundly touched my life in so many ways, both while I was employed at CCAC's Allegheny Campus (10 years) and while working in the Georgia (6 years).
More specifically, he provided honest advice, made me laugh amid stressful situations, and wrote reference letters, which helped me land the three jobs I now have in Georgia.
As my supervisor at CCAC, he reworked my teaching schedule, so I could watch my daughter, Kam, play high school basketball. Rick was fond of saying, "You have one heck of a daughter, Ed. I know you are one proud papa."
The above provides a glimpse of what made him so memorable. He was genuine, honest, insightful, witty, colorful, caring, and fun to be around.
He is a trend-setter for high standards, including rock-solid work ethic, knack for overcoming adversity, and loving spirit.
He will never be replaced, never be forgotten. The good news is his legacy lives on within the lives of the thousands of people he touched, both on and off campus.
May God rest his courageous, gracious soul.
Onward and upward, Rick! If I can become half the man you were, my life will have meaning.
Ed Rideout, Jr.
Tracey & Chris Mourer
November 19, 2008
You will be missed by so many. Everyone you came in contact with you touched their lives in so many ways. You and Nikki had a relationship that no one could compare. One day we will see you again for everyday we know you are watching over all of us! We love you!
November 19, 2008
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Lilli Nieland
November 19, 2008
To the Heisler Family,
My deepest sympathies go out to the Heisler family. Mr. Heisler was a dedicated and hard working leader and inspiration to everyone at CCAC. I was honored to have taught in his department.
Lilli Nieland
Petrina Kachmar
November 14, 2008
I am at a loss for how to express the overwhelming sadness I feel at the unexpected death of this wonderful man. I am honored to have shared many moments with him as a friend and colleague at CCAC. He was a man of passion--he put his whole heart into everything he did and he was a kind and honest person. I will miss his presence in this world.
Kathy Treleani
November 12, 2008
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. My husband, Howard Lieberman, worked with Richard for many years at CCAC. When Howard died, Richard cleaned out his office for me, not an easy job, and held a memorial art show of Howards work. I wil always be grateful.
Brian Smerdell
November 11, 2008
To the Heisler Family and my mother Nikki,
Words can not describe the love and admiration I had for my step-father. He was the absolute best compliment to my mother and the two of them absolutely shined. I will always remember the many great times we spent together at the dinner table just enjoying the time we shared. I will always remember the visits to charlotte and our chance to discuss the new books we were reading.
I will always cherish the smile you put on my mother's face just for being you. And you will always be my mr fix-it for doing everything from hanging a simple window screen to teaching me all that life had to offer (and simply enjoyin it).
I promise to carry on your teachings and try to appreciate all the unique and little things. We will miss you and we loved you so much.
Barbara Hoeltje
November 11, 2008
To the Heisler family:
I had the pleasure of working with Rick at CCAC in registration when he would advise students. It was funny the day we realized we were both from Garfield. He went to St. Lawrence with my older brother and Mary Beth was in my class. He was always laughing and joking around and just making the worst days a little more tolerable. He will be greatly missed. I was out of town and not able to attend the memorial service, but my thoughts were of Rick and your family. My condolences to your entire family. Barbara Kinneavy Hoeltje
Mara Fairley
November 10, 2008
Heisler Family,
My heart goes out to you and your family at this diffucult time. Rick was a kind man and we be deeply missed here at CCAC.
Michael Walters
November 10, 2008
My sincere condolences go out to the family. Mr. Heisler was a great man & teacher and one of the reasons I stuck it out with the program when things were difficult for me. He was tough but fair with me and treated me with kindness. He will be sadly missed, not only by myself, but all those he came in contact with.
Joyce Werwie Perry
November 10, 2008
Nikki & Family-
Rick Heisler was a true educator and advisor - sincere in his efforts to help his students. His continued support of my work even after graduation has been a cherished asset to me. His patience, dry sense of humor, ability to really listen and ultimately, his friendship will always be remembered.
Joseph De Blassio
November 10, 2008
I want to express my sincerest sympathy to you Nikki and the Heisler family. Rick was a good friend of mine here at CCAC. He always possesed a positive attitude and I will miss him greatly.
The Potter/Photographer
November 10, 2008
Mr. Heisler was an amazing asset to the art department and to our lives. I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. I will miss you sir. Thank you for guidance and encouragement.
Pat Sippel
November 9, 2008
Dear Heisler family,
My sincere sorrow for your loss. I knew Richard as a your man as I was friends with his sister Judy. I do realize that he was too yourng to leave a family but I know that he will always watch over all of you whom he held in his heart.
Sincerely,
Pat (Zahringer) Sippel
Paul & Meg (Moonlite) Kniseley
November 9, 2008
We have been so lucky to have known Rich. We will miss his good nature, smile and friendly handshake. Our deepest sympathy, Nikki.
Nancy Moore
November 9, 2008
We were saddened to hear of Rick's untimely death. We remember him as a valued colleague and teacher whom we enjoyed very much knowing. He will be much missed by all at CCAC.
Nancy Moore and John Lucarelli
(retired CCAC faculty)
The Perry Family
November 9, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Mona Monahan
November 9, 2008
Richard and the Heisler Family:
What a sudden and tremendous loss I feel. Rick was a wonderful father. He was a caring , patient and giving Uncle to my sons Christian and Michael. What a geat role model to them , his son and to his students.
He was joy to be with and a good son in law to my mother and brother-in law fow the time he was in our family. I will never forget his kind heart.
I hope his memory, his smile ,laughter, and the man that Richard has grown to be help you through this very sad time.
Kristen (Heilman) Mary
November 8, 2008
Mr. Heisler I cannot believe you are really gone. You made such an impact in my life and you helped me at CCAC from getting registered on my very first day to my graduation day. First we lose a fantastic professor - Mr Lieberman, now we've lost yet another fantastic professor and mentor. You will be so greatly missed. I can't believe Russ and I just were talking with you a few months ago at Lieberman's memorial. I'm so deeply sad to see you go and want to thank you for helping me so much since I first met you. My deepest sympathies to your family. We all have lost a simply wonderful person, an amazing professor and a fantastic artist. You will never be forgotten.
Shelly Mehrenberg
November 8, 2008
Rich,
I was sorry to hear from Neal that your dad passed away.
I send you my deepest sympathy and hope that all your memories will help you during this sad time.
I hope sometime you come visit us.
with love..Mrs. Mehrenberg
Jim Hughes
November 8, 2008
I will always remember the poignancy of our wave as Rick left the gym Wednesday afternoon. As Mister Rogers would say when someone passed away, “Well.. he/she has been promoted.” And Rick you are in that first row for sure. We will always remember your generosity, empathy, marvelous teaching talents and supportive team player. My condolences to Nikki and all the family. Jim Hughes
Elaine Falcione
November 8, 2008
Nikki & Brian & Family,
You have our deepest sympathy for the loss of a great guy. He surely will be missed in our neighborhood. He was a warm and kind person.
Love & Prayers,
Al & Elaine
Dave Bauer
November 8, 2008
Condolences to the family and siblings from a long lost cousin and family.
Ruth Byers
November 8, 2008
I've been at CCAC for 20 years, and worked often with Rick in dealings between the library and the art department. I also served with Rick on several committees through the years. It just won't be the same here without him. He was unique and a very valued colleague. He will be very missed. You have my sincerest and deepest condolences.
Vanessa Chafant
November 8, 2008
Mister Heisler will always be my favorite professor. I have a disability that causes my thoughts to be somewhat scattered and my memory limited, and he always spent extra time with me in every class that I had him in, making sure I knew what I was doing. I know I would have drove most teachers up a wall, but he was always patient and kind.
On a day that class became overwhelming, I sat out in the hallway in tears and he came to sit next to me for nearly a half hour during his class period. What other teacher would do that?
I will truly miss seeing him in the halls every day with his cup of coffee in hand. I'm positive I'm not the only one at CCAC who feels the same way.
Barbara Collins
November 8, 2008
To the Heisler Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Richard. Although I did not know him well, I had the pleasure of meeting him on a couple of ocassions when visiting a staff member at CCAC. I know that he will be GREATLY missed by all who knew him and worked with him.
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