June Gloria Heslar

1928 - 2017

June Gloria Heslar

June Gloria Heslar (nee Stiriz) died peacefully at Good Shepherd Hospice Port Jefferson NY at age 88.She was born to the late William D and Emma H (nee Parks) Stiriz on June 24, 1928 in Medford NY.

June is survived by her daughter, Claudette, and son-in-law, Paul Dwyer, their children Paul, Michael, and Margaret Chaney (Tyler), and a great-granddaughter, Tayler. Four brothers: Wayne, Bruce (Theresa), Gary (Katherine), and Dale Stiriz of Long Island NY, life-long friends Frank Rossi of Viera FL and Patricia (Don) Hanlon of East Patchogue, NY.

She is predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law William and Joan Stiriz, and her son, Claus Schons.

Courageous, loyal and athletic is how June is remembered by her family and  friends.  She overcame many challenges; surviving cancer in her early twenties, raising two children on her own, and advancing her career to become an executive secretary in the Patchogue-Medford School District, from which she retired in 1984.

June's athletic ability was evident at an early age as she assisted her father at his boat rental by swimming to retrieve stray rowboats. A Bellport High School 1946 graduate, she was captain of the girls' basketball team and a cheerleader for the boys' team. Later, she became an excellent bowler and golfer, winning a seniors' golf tournament at the Suntree Country Club.

Loyalty to family and friends was important to June. Many happy times were spent swimming and sunning with her brother "Billy" and sister-in-law, Joan. She loved her Suntree golfing friends and the members of Pineda Presbyterian Church, where she was proud to serve as a deacon. June was devoted to caring for her son, Claus, for many months after he was the victim of a hit and run accident in 2004. Life long friendships with the Rossi and Hanlon families brought her great joy as well as comfort. June was delighted to become a great-grandmother in July of 2015, with the birth of Tayler Dwyer Chaney.

Many friends from her final years at Island Nursing and Rehab will miss her. During those years, June adored seeing her brother, Bruce, his wife, Theresa, and nieces, Donna and Cheryl, who brought fun and laughter.

All are welcome to attend the committal of ashes at Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge FL on April 5, 2 pm. In lieu of flowers please donate to Pineda Presbyterian Church, Melbourne FL.