Donald Norman Heiler

Born May 8, 1931, passed away at 94 years old, peacefully on September 17, 2025 with his beloved grandson, Jonathan, by his side.

Survived by his devoted wife Helen, of 71 beautiful years; his children Donna (Alan Abdo) Heiler, Gregory (Lesley) Heiler, Douglas (Amy) Heiler; grandchildren, Jonathan Landry, Alex (Chris) Landry, Matthew (Lauren) Heiler, Mark (Kelly) Heiler, Emily (Thomas) Saucke; and his great-grandchildren, Darius, Sophia, Audrey, Naomi and Ella. Survived by his brothers Richard (Joyce) Heiler and Paul (Mary Ann (deceased)) Heiler; and sister-in-law, Ann Heiler; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Predeceased by his father Leo Heiler Sr., mother Julia Heiler, brother Leo Heiler Jr., and his cherished grandson, Phillip Heiler.

Don attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Madison High School in 1950. Don then attended General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955 and was in the Phi Sigma Phi Fraternity. He played basketball through high school and college.

Don graduated from Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island in 1956. He was then commissioned in the U.S. Navy and served as a LTJG from 1956 to 1959 serving on the U.S.S. Taconic in the Mediterranean where he joined the amphibious ships of the Sixth Fleet; then he was stationed at the Tactical Air Control Squadron-22, NAS, Norfolk, Virginia. He then served in the US Naval Reserves until 1969. Following his military service, Don pursued a successful career at Delco Products (General Motors) as Manager of Quality Control, in Rochester, New York.

Don and his wife, Helen, married in 1954 and together they raised three children. He lived a full and loving life, devoted to his family. He was an avid reader, loved to swim laps at the YMCA, painted naval scenes, collected stamps and built model airplanes.

Don was a delight to all that knew him and was adored by many, especially his family. He will be greatly missed.

AN OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION OF DON’S LIFE WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18TH FROM 12:00-4:00. AN INFORMAL LUNCH WILL BE AVAILABLE BETWEEN 1:00 AND 3:00. LOCATION: DAVINCI’S RESTAURANT, STONERIDGE PLAZA, 1558 WEST RIDGE ROAD, GREECE, NY. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.