IN MEMORIAM

John D. Heller, 38, Died

Saving Fiancé, 4 Nephews

ONEONTA – John D. Heller, 38, of Oneonta, gave his life saving the love of his life and fiancé, Amber Roe and his four precious nephews on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018.

He was born Sept. 22, 1980, in Oneonta, the son of John R. and Gayle (Eggler) Heller.
John graduated from Oneonta High School, Class of 2000. He attended Herkimer Community College.

John was a Life Skills supervisor at Oneonta Job Corps Academy. He was well loved and respected by both his coworkers and his students.  He was a former Oneonta firefighter.

Together with his dad, John enjoyed model trains. He loved decorating for all the holidays, and watching football, especially the University of Michigan. Traveling and camping with Amber were also greatly enjoyed

John had a huge heart for everyone and especially, Amber and his four nephews. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor.

John is survived by his fiancé and soulmate, Amber Roe, Oneonta; his parents, John and Gayle Heller, Oneonta; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Erika Heller, Oneonta; four nephews, Donovan, Maddox, Macall and Rawley Heller; maternal grandmother, Phyllis Eggler, Oneonta; aunts and uncles, George A. Eggler and Evando Macario, Sharon and Clifford Costello, Gary Heller and Christine Eldred and Larry and Sally Heller; mother-in-law, Cyndy Doroski, East Meredith; as well as several cousins.

He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Abbie Heller and John O. Heller; maternal grandfather, George L. Eggler; and father-in-law, Herb Roe.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Bookhout Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oneonta. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at the Foothills Performing Arts Center, 24 Market St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Judith A. Thistle officiating.

His life will be celebrated at the East Meredith Fire Department, immediately following the funeral service.

Burial will be at a later date in Charlotte Valley Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to either the Oneonta Fire Department Rescue Fund, 81 Main St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or East Meredith Rural Fire District, P.O. Box 65, East Meredith, NY 13757, Attn. Chief David Briggs.

John’s family thanks the entire community for their outpouring love and support shown to them during this difficult time.

Visit www.bookhoutfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.

Funeral arrangements are by the Bookhout Funeral Home, Oneonta.