Name: Service for Robert J. "Bob" Heaman
Start: 2024-10-23T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2024-10-23T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Church of Saint Patrick (White Haven)

WHITE HAVEN —Bob Heaman, 82, of White Haven, PA, passed away on October 17, 2024. Born on March 30, 1942, in Detroit, MI, Bob was the fourth of seven siblings--Joan (Hasselbach), Bill, Barbara (Porter), Rick, Jim, and Beth (Giroux)--born to Mary Mullen and Robert Heaman. Bob's bond with his siblings remained strong throughout his life.

Bob graduated from St. Mary's of Redford High School in Detroit, and went on to earn his degree in English from the University of Detroit. There, he met Patricia Friel--the two married in 1964, and had a daughter, Catherine.

Bob earned his master's and PhD at the University of Michigan, and joined the English Department at Wilkes College, where he taught until his retirement (he specialized in Victorian novels, particularly the works of Charles Dickens). Bob would go on to serve on the 1983 Presidential Search Committee, and as Assistant to the President, Acting Vice President of Academic affairs, and Dean of Arts & Sciences. Today, it's hard to walk around Wilkes-Barre without bumping into a former student.

In the summer of 1972, Bob married Patricia Boyle, who also taught English at Wilkes. Together they raised another daughter, Maggie. Their home in White Haven immediately became a refuge during the Hurricane Agnes flood for Patricia's mother, six sisters, and niece. Later, it was the setting for numerous family gatherings, student events, weddings, and holiday celebrations.

One of the most cherished times of Bob's life was when he, Patricia, Maggie, and Catherine lived in Dublin, Ireland in 1977. They explored many castles, pubs, and literary landmarks of Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, and retraced the footsteps of Charles Dickens, James Joyce, and other literary giants.

Bob enjoyed traveling with his family, fishing with his friends, and leading student trips to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario. He loved to listen to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The News from Lake Wobegon. Bob and Patricia took great pride in their garden, growing their own vegetables and flowers. Each Christmas Eve, they celebrated with up to 40 family members at their home.

In retirement, Bob became the Secretary-Treasurer of the Dickens Society. He enjoyed breakfasts with close friends, debating sports, politics, and their favorite books.

Bob will be remembered for his unforgettable smile, warmth, loyalty, commitment to social justice, and sharp sense of humor.

He is survived by sister Joan Hasselbach, brother Rick Heaman, daughter Catherine Heaman, son-in-law Eric Weaver, daughter Maggie Heaman, son-in-law Joe

Francis, grandsons, Luke, Mark, and Nash Weaver, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church, 411 Alleghany Rd., White Haven, followed by a celebration of life at the Heaman family home at 35 Port Jenkins Rd. (also known as Old Ice Lake Road), White Haven.

For those wishing to honor Bob's memory, the family suggests contributions to the Patricia Boyle and Robert J Heaman Scholarship which is awarded to junior or senior student majoring in English with a literature concentration. To contribute, go to the link below and enter ""Heaman"" in the ""Make your Selection"" field to designate your donation. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/44650/donations

Share memories and condolences with Bob's family at mjmclaughlin.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Leader from Oct. 19 to Oct. 20, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Heaman

6 Entries

Les Nicholas

March 18, 2025

I was fortunate to have had Dr. Heaman when I was a student at Wilkes (Class of 1981). I became an English teacher and attribute much of the success I had to emulating his classroom techniques. He didn't tell us what we saw, he told us to open our eyes. May his memory be a blessing.

Fred Walters

October 26, 2024

I was fortunate to have met Bob shortly after arriving at Wilkes in January of 1968, only a few weeks after being honorably discharged from the United States Army. He made the transition from soldiering to classroom much easier than would have been otherwise possible.

Bob understood that I sought, not just a degree as a ticket to a well-paying job, but a truly classical education in the arts, history and political science. And he did everything possible to guide me along an enjoyable and rewarding, if at times challenging, path. For this, I am eternally grateful.

Bob also, in a most gracious way, invited me into the social activities of the English Department. In the company of members of the Department, including Bob, Lee Terry, Stan Gutin, Bob´s second wife Patricia Boyle, and others, a new window was opened on my world of learning. To be able to interact with these faculty members was an experience that truly enriched my education.

And it was my pleasure to return the favor by inviting Bob, Patricia, and their colleagues, along with members of the area political and business communities to evenings of spirited and worthwhile discussion at my parents´ home in Kingston. All this activity would not have been possible had not Bob been there at the beginning of my educational journey.

Bob Heaman was, therefore, more than my professor. More than one who introduced me (and so many others) to the important lessons to be learned through literature. More than a most helpful guide through the thickets of academic life. More than an inspiration to keep on going, regardless of life´s obstacles.

He was the most valuable kind of person one could know, A true friend.

Michelle Marchetti

October 22, 2024

One of my favorite teachers at Wilkes. He instilled a love of literature and was always so approachable. My condolences to his family.

Jack & Carole Friel

October 21, 2024

We have many memories of Bob:: he stood up at our wedding in 1967 with his first wife Pat, went to cut dow a tree for Christmas and took it home with the top down on his yellow Volkswagen convertible, vacationing on Lake Huron and grilling chicken almost completely. road trips to NJ and our favorite was standing on a chair in the Dining room reciting Dickens while Thanksgiving dinner was being prepared. Bob was always smiling and ready to have fun. RIP

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Jim Rodechko

October 21, 2024

Bob and I have been friends and colleagues for the past 55 years. Over that time Bob evidenced attitudes, values, and characteristics that were part of his very being. He always placed family above all else. His wife Patricia and daughters Catherine and Maggie were at the center of his life. He spoke at length about growing up in Michigan and experiences with his mom and dad and brothers and sisters. Bob was always a person of integrity and honor, and these characteristics were never more evident than when he was conducting literature discussions in the classroom and then in his later work as dean of arts and sciences and vice president for academic affairs. He loved his students and treated them with respect and dignity. They, in turn, sought out his classes and saw him as a mentor and friend. Colleagues sought out his advice on sensitive matters and knew they could trust his honest answers and discretion.
In our retirement years, and especially after his beloved wife, Pat, passed away in 2015, we became especially close, having weekly breakfast sessions at the Bear Creek Cafe and lengthy telephone conversations. We discussed history and literature, the prospects for the Michigan football team, and the doings of the Detroit Tigers. They were pleasant times and I am most grateful for having shared them with Bob. I will miss him.
Jim Rodechko

John R Joseph

October 20, 2024

Dr. Heaman was a fantastic English teacher. I went back to Wilkes after graduating and told him that I just attained a Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. We sat and talked about Michigan football, and every time afterwards, when we saw each other, he'd say, "Go Blue." Just a great guy. Rest in peace.

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