Obituary of Richard H Heilman

HEILMAN, Richard H. 68, beloved family man and science teacher, passed away in Tucson on March 9, 2017, after complications from a severe brain hemorrhage. The son of Herbert and Carolyn Heilman, he grew up in Batavia, IL. In 1975, he married the former Sandra Wahl of Naperville, IL, and they moved to Tucson in 1979. For 30 years, "Mr. Heilman" taught 8th-grade science in the Marana Unified School District, where he believed in hands-on learning and loved engaging all types of students in the educational process. He was also active in the Marana Education Association and in his church of 37 years, St. Mark's United Methodist. Richard is survived by his wife, Sandi; his son, Timothy and his daughters, Kelley (Phil) Gruca and Karlyn Heilman. He is also survived by a grandson, Jeremy Gruca; a sister, Nancy (Larry) Fetgatter and nephews, Mark (Albert Sanchez) Fetgatter and Jason Fetgatter. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at St. Mark's UMC, 1431 W. Magee Road, with a reception at the church immediately following. Former students are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to St. Mark's (which will be divided between the Handy Hands Ministry and the Animal Ministry) or to the Marana Unified School District (for the Richard Heilman Memorial Scholarship). The family would also like to thank all of the staff of the neuro-surgical ICU at Banner UMC for their excellent and compassionate care. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.