Dr. Philip N. Heller

Dr. Philip N. Heller (75) of Nineveh, Indiana passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1949 in Gary, Indiana to Louis E. and Betty (Ittel) Heller. He married Lana (Yearby) Heller on June 19, 1976. He is survived by his wife Lana; children, Ryan Heller and Remy Heller; grand dog Miss Piggy; brother, Louis W. Heller; sister in law, Diane Heller; niece, Beth Tidwell; grand niece and nephew. He was preceded in passing by his parents and brother, Mark D. Heller and nephew, Brian Heller. Phil was a 1967 graduate of Hobart High School and a 1971 graduate of Franklin College. It can certainly be said that Phil earned his way and made the most of his education. Working summers and then double shifts per weekend in the Gary steel mills, Phil would hitchhike back to Franklin for school on Mondays with a pocket full of tuition money and appreciation for college life. At Franklin, he was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and performer in the Franklin Follies of 1969. Phil was a standout linebacker for Coach Red Faught and was instrumental in their Mineral Water Bowl victory of 1970 where he received recognition as a "Distinguished Hoosier." After graduating at Franklin, Phil remained devoted to education, as well as his alma mater, by working as an Admissions Counselor and later serving on the Franklin Alumni Counsel. He then continued his education through the IU School of Dentistry, graduating in 1979. After opening his own practice in 1979, Phil, the "gentle family dentist," lovingly served the downtown Indianapolis community for 41 years until his 2020 retirement. Known as a generous and patient doctor, he lived for his work and carried a genuine passion for his patients. While rarely more than a phone call away from someone in pain, he somehow still found time for grand adventures in life. Phil loved to travel and was a true self appointed ambassador to the world. He was equally comfortable eating macadamia nuts on a Hawaiian beach, or sneaking he and his wife into the Vatican to see the Pope. It could be said that Phil had a taste for action, in life, and especially in regards to sports. Along with hunting and fishing, Phil cherished his years spent volunteering for the pit crew of Scott Braden's Indy 500 racing team. In later years, he would come home laughing from gags at golf outings like the Pocono Open, and eventually settle into his twilight hobbies of crossword and jigsaw puzzles as well as doing laundry. Those closest to him will remember a man who was always a leader, in his own way, a tough but passionate husband, father, doctor, tutor, football fan and coach. The Laundry King, The Possum, The Puzzler, The Milk Guzzler, Mom's Right Hand, and a Believer in goodness and God and The Golden Rule. He will be much loved and forever missed, until we meet again. Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, March 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street, (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin with a Celebration of Phil's life on Thursday, March 20th at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of caring and kindness may be received by the family at www.flinnmaguire.net