Heath King

1921 - 2016

G. Heath King ST. LUCIE, FL - G. Heath King of Port St. Lucie, Florida passed away in his sleep after a long illness on June 22, 2016. Born April 17, 1921, he was a native of historic Saratoga Springs, NY, the site of the turning point of the Revolutionary War where his ancestor General William Heath was entrusted with the British prisoners. Heath King himself was the embodiment of the best of the American spirit. After studying at American University, Washington DC, Heath went on to volunteer for the Naval Air Corp with the rank of Chief Petty Officer during World War II. Upon the war’s end he worked at General Electric on the atomic powered submarine “Seawolf,” the most innovative submersible craft of its time. It was cooled by liquid metal (sodium), more efficient than the previous water-cooled submarine. The project was a risky undertaking that required protective gear and great determination. Heath worked with such intense focus and commitment that union members told him to “slow down” as he was making them look bad. When GE learned of this Heath was promoted to a position where his energy and expertise could unfold without interference. Heath labored long hours, saved and opened an appliance business with his wife, the love of his life Rose Telese. They began working from their home, then garage, and soon built their first store, G. Heath King, Inc., later including furniture to the inventory. The business became so successful that he received national awards from General Electric that included trips throughout the world. His sales eclipsed those of Sears, the national trendsetter of the time. A lover of the sea and lakes, Heath built the primary family house at Clay Island, Lake George, NY, surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains and a short distance from historic Ft. William Henry. Heath completed its architectural design himself, enabling the lake and mountains to be panoramically viewed from every window. Heath King’s greatest distinction was his honesty, humility, integrity, courage and compassion for the common man, qualities recognized by all who knew him. This was exemplified in his family life and throughout his professional career, as when he learned that a father who did not pay his bills was using the stove he acquired for keeping his baby warm. Heath paid for the stove himself rather than having it repossessed. Heath is survived by Rose, his devoted, loving wife of 70 years, his daughter Sandra King, of Saratoga Springs, NY, and his son Dr. G. Heath King, of Boca Raton, Florida. The family would like to express their lasting gratitude to Heath’s devoted caregivers who attended him at his home. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to All County Funeral Home and Crematory, Treasure Coast Chapel, Stuart, Florida. www.allcounty.com