David R. Heck

David R. Heck, 52, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 20, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston.

David was born in Worcester and grew up in Sutton where he graduated from Sutton High School. He earned his associate’s degree in hotel and restaurant management from Quinsigamond Community College. David worked as a chef for many years, most recently for UMass Chan Medical School. He previously worked at Veterans, Inc. and Shrewsbury Nursing Home. David was also an adjunct faculty member for the Salter School and a faithful member of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour.

David was an avid sports fan and in his younger years loved playing various sports including soccer, golf and racquet ball. Growing up, David followed in his father’s footsteps and was very involved with the Boy Scouts of America, culminating in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Throughout his life, David has demonstrated his passion for serving others, especially for veterans and the elderly. He enjoyed the simple things in life, be it a family game night, working around his yard or vacationing at Moody Beach in Maine.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 14 years, Gina M. (Surabian) Heck; his mother, Nancy (Cutting) Heck of Sutton; a sister, Heidi G. Heck of Oxford; his mother-in-law, Carol Surabian of Shrewsbury; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Cheryl Lott and her husband Timothy, Darlene McNichols and her husband John, and Stephen Surabian and his wife Tara all of Shrewsbury; nieces and nephews, Alexandra and Ryan Lott of Shrewsbury, Stephen Surabian of Shrewsbury, Lauren and Maddie O’Brien of North Carolina; many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and colleagues at UMass Chan Medical School. He is predeceased by his father, Robert L. Heck; a sister, Nancy D. Heck and his father-in-law, Stephen Surabian.

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on January 26, 2025 from 4-7 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. His funeral Mass will be held on January 27 at 11:00 am in the Armenian Church of Our Saviour, 87 Salisbury St., Worcester (PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO CHURCH). Burial will follow in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to: Veterans, Inc. 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA. 01605, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift, or Boy Scouts of America, PO Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.