Rodney "Rod" Heilman

Rodney "Rod" Heilman, born on August 4, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on November 11, 2025, surrounded by love.
Rod grew up in Northern Kentucky and attended Highlands High School in Fort Thomas. He went on to earn his Master's degree in Social Work and Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Cincinnati, a path that defined much of his life and purpose.
He devoted his career to social work and dedicated himself to helping those most in need. Rod worked with unhoused individuals, foster children, the elderly, and many other vulnerable and marginalized communities throughout Cincinnati. His compassion was constant and sincere-so much so that his wife, Christine, was always buying him new gloves after he gave his own away to someone who "needed them more than he did." Helping others wasn't just his work; it was who he was.
Before finding his calling in social work, Rod held many jobs-making eyeglasses, driving taxis, working in a lumber mill, at a paint store, and even serving as a bouncer at a club. Each experience added to the richness of his character, shaping his empathy, strength, and humor.
Rod loved classic rock, science fiction, and fantasy. He cared deeply for the Earth, the environment, and all living creatures. He felt most at home in nature-hiking, camping, or simply soaking in the stillness of the outdoors. His connection to animals was extraordinary; they trusted him instinctively. Over the years he cared for many beloved pets, including a pregnant beagle he once took in and helped deliver every single puppy himself.
He was passionate about fighting oppression and often attended protests advocating for those in need. His compassion and values even guided him toward converting to Catholicism, inspired in part by the church's commitment to serving oppressed and immigrant communities.
Rod was a devoted husband and father who balanced seriousness with a big, joyful sense of humor. He cherished watching comedies like Young Frankenstein, Caddyshack, and Airplane, proudly sharing them with his daughter to help shape her own humor and outlook on life.
He loved to cook and found comfort in feeding others. Autumn days often meant a big pot of soup simmering all day, and he was known to rise early just to make a hearty breakfast for his family.
Rod is survived by his wife, Christine (Weber) Heilman, whom he married in 1984; his daughter, Katherine Heilman; and his brother, Ronald Heilman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Heilman and Mary (Purnell) Heilman. He is reunited with the many beloved pets who accompanied him throughout life.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 1:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 2:00 PM at Serenity Funeral Care, 40 W. 6th Street, Covington, KY 41011.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greater Cincinnati Homeless Coalition, an organization aligned with Rod's lifelong mission of serving those in need: https://cincihomeless.org/about/donate-2/