Robert Jay Heiple

Robert Jay Heiple obituary, Lexington, KY

Robert Jay Heiple

Robert Heiple Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 21, 2024.
Robert Jay Heiple, 77, died June 16, 2024 peacefully in his home after celebrating Father's Day with his wife, kids and grandkids in Lexington, KY. He was born on April 9, 1947 to the late Russell John Heiple and Clara Fulop Heiple in Johnstown, PA. The second of four kids (Russell, Millicent and Mary) Robert was raised in Johnstown, PA and incredibly proud of his hometown. A Pennsylvania high school football legend, Robert's football career was cut short after a devastating knee injury during a time when knee reconstruction was not yet as common as it is today. This injury, followed by a few more knee surgeries created what was affectionately called the "Johnstown Shuffle," a hobble of sorts due to a pair of bad knees.

During his time at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, he met his future wife Janet on the beach in Belmar, New Jersey. As to what she saw in the Phi Delt from Lafayette College is still a mystery to this day. After graduating Lafayette College in 1970, Robert married Janet McMackin Heiple at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Oradell, NJ on July 4, 1970. Shortly thereafter he received his MBA from the University of Michigan in 1973 spending his career in corporate finance, retiring after a debilitating stroke in 2012.

Destined to be "Banker Bob" from about age 6, Robert spent his childhood playing golf at Berkley Hills Golf Course in Johnstown, which built a foundation that allowed him to mix business with golf, something he did for over 40 years as a successful corporate lender. His career in finance allowed him to have an incredible social circle, much to the chagrin of his kids, who could not go anywhere with their dad without him stopping to talk to someone he knew. This career took him to all corners of the globe, allowing him to pass down his inquisitive nature to his children, who he always encouraged to try new things and treat everyone you met as a friend. Despite extensive work travel, he did his best to coach his kids sports teams, and if not on the field he could be heard throughout Pittsburgh athletic fields giving his kids loud, verbal encouragement.

Robert, affectionately known as Bob or Bobby, was a wonderful husband and father, a hard worker, mentor, voracious reader, semi-professional photographer, an incredibly skilled story teller, patient, warm, curious, and a professional napper. He never met a tie he did not spill lunch or dinner on, and was a fantastic procrastinator. As a matter of fact, if you heard him say that "he would take care of it" everyone knew that his wife Janet would be the one to do it. Lastly, a former neighbor of Franco Harris in the 1970's, Bob was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan. For years he was called out by his kids when bothered by his voluminous snoring during games. Bob never missed a Steelers game, even while "resting his eyes" in the 2nd quarter of almost every game.

Robert is survived by his wife of 53 years Janet, children Benjamin Jay Heiple, Nathaniel James Heiple, Kate Taylor Zornes, Russell John Heiple and his three grandchildren, Bridgette Moran Heiple, Graham Thomas Heiple and Abigail Francis Zornes. A lifelong family friend and former neighbor, Nik Bonaddio of New York City was considered a bonus Heiple, a fourth son of Bob and Janet, affectionately know as "Stick" by Bob. A quiet ceremony will take place in late September in Johnstown, PA. In place of flowers, the family suggests choosing Bluegrass Care Navigators (Hospice) as the charity of choice, at bgcarenav.org.

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July 1, 2024

Bill Rydell posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2024

Mary Heiple posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2024

Mary Heiple posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Bill Rydell

July 1, 2024

Janet, I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing. I am not sure that you will remember me, but I was a classmate of Bob's at Michigan and we both went to work for Mellon Bank upon graduation. You and Bob had a marriage that i admired so much. I remember helping you and Bob move from the North Hills into your apartment on the Northside. I lost touch with Bob when he left Mellon, but I thought of him with his great sense of humor often. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Mary Heiple

June 23, 2024

I miss my brother so much. He was . a wonderful person, we talked on the phone often , Bob in Ky and me in Fl! We talked about everything, current events, family news and politics and old times! I miss that already! I remember one when I was younger, woke from a nap (a Heiple tradition) and went out the front door to visit my friends, the "twins". I saw a golf club in the middle of the street as I walked. I asked the twins dad who the club belonged to, but he said he didn´t know and to put in the front yard " as someone will get it" he said in his usual gruff voice "and twins weren´t home ". I walked back home and looked for my Mom. I saw her out the kitchen window with Bob who looked like he was looking for something! I went out side and asked what was going on. He said Mom was taking movies of hi golf swing and the club had flown out of his hand and he thought was up in the apple tree! I told Bob about the club in the street. He looked at me in amazement but then he walked out front. out front to get it! I mean it went over 2 three story houses! We laughed about it years later on the phone! I love Bob and have so many memories of him. That will help me to deal with my unbelievable sadness! My love to all who knew Bob....

Mary Heiple

June 23, 2024

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

John Williams

June 21, 2024

Bob and I were first acquainted by working together at Mellon Bank in the early 70's. We shared work and social activities for many years with wonderful memories too numerous to count. Even after his stroke, we continued to correspond via text---virtually always about our mutual love of sports. He was a terrific human being whom I loved. I will miss him greatly and he will always remain in my thoughts. While these words don't enable me to do justice to our relationship, know that the world has simply lost a beautiful man.
John Williams

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Sign Robert Heiple's Guest Book

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July 1, 2024

Bill Rydell posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2024

Mary Heiple posted to the memorial.

June 23, 2024

Mary Heiple posted to the memorial.