John Robert Heyliger

John R. Heyliger was born on March 18, 1964 in Queens, New York, the son of the late Andrew Augustus Heyliger and Mary Helen Heyliger. He graduated from John Adams High School in Queens, New York and went on to attend the State University of New York at New Paltz.
In April 1985, John proudly joined the United States Army, serving faithfully until June 1992. A Veteran of the Gulf War Era and Peacetime, John received numerous commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal while serving with the First Battalion (Mechanized), Tenth Infantry. After receiving an honorable discharge, he transitioned to civilian life and built a successful 25-year career in Healthcare Finance. In 2022, John became one of the managing partners of City Wide Facility Solutions Delaware, continuing his commitment to leadership and service.
John loved the Lord with all his heart and soul. His favorite scripture was 1 John 3:2:
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."
He often reminded those around him, "It doth not appear what it shall be."
John was a faithful member of 2ndSunday InFellowship, under the leadership of Pastor Christopher Sims. He deeply valued family and believed that one of the greatest gifts a person could give was the gift of time-time with loved ones, friends, and anyone blessed to cross his path.
A passionate sportsman, John had a lifelong love for basketball. He played throughout high school and college and later founded the Nazarenes Life Skills Through Sports Program, where he coached and mentored youth of all ages. Through this program, he instilled lessons of dedication, perseverance, confidence, leadership, and teamwork. A devoted New York Knicks fan, John made sure everyone knew where his loyalty stood.
Beyond basketball, John enjoyed karaoke, house music, traveling, and being surrounded by those he loved-especially his close-knit circle known as "The Tribe." His laughter, wisdom, and presence brought joy to every gathering.
On November 4, 2025, at 5:00 a.m., John R. Heyliger peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, declaring victory over the illness that affected his physical body. He found rest with his Heavenly Father and now awaits his crown in glory.
John leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memory his devoted wife of ten years, Tasheema Heyliger; children: Jonai (Paul) Gibbs of New York, Ariana (Malcolm) Kelley of Kansas, Joshua (Emma) Heyliger of North Carolina, AJ Cobb of New York, and Nicholas Cobb of Delaware; grandchildren Makayla Kelley and Malcolm Kelley Jr.; devoted parents-in-law Millie and William Vazquez Gil; brothers Anthony (Sharon) Heyliger and Augustus (April) Heyliger; nieces Candi (David) Cohen, Ashley (Darwyn) Lynch; nephew Anthony (Auris) Heyliger; great nephews, great niece, cousins, tribe brothers Don (Debbie) Hines, Harold (Tashema) Johnson, and Alan Cobb; devoted aunt Gloria (Myke) Quinones; sisters-in-law Tammy Green and Monifa (Sean) Bell; and a multitude of cherished friends from the Hill School, along with other family & friends too numerous to name.
John's legacy of love, faith, and dedication will live on in all who knew him.
A viewing will be from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, DE 19934. A funeral service will be 12:00 P.M. Saturday, November 15, 2025 at the funeral home. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be made via www.pippinfuneralhome.com.
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