Obituary of Frederick Heller

HELLER, Frederick, (May 5, 1932 - February 22, 2018) Frederick Heller of Tucson, Arizona passed away peacefully in his home on February 22, 2018 at the age of 85. He was one of two sons born to Robert and Lois Heller in Detroit, Michigan. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he spent his childhood. After graduating from University School in 1950, he attended Harvard University and was among the earliest members of the storied male vocal group, The Krokadiloes, of which he remained a loyal participating alumnus. Upon graduating from Harvard in 1954, 'Fred' served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army with an artillery unit in Germany until 1956. Returning to his native Cleveland, he had a short employment with the Lincoln Electric Company before joining the Hanna Mining Company where he remained for the next thirty years. He rose to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing and oversaw Hanna's development of international sales and worldwide expansion. Fred moved to Arizona in 1987 and lived in Sonoita for a few years before settling in Tucson. He embraced his new community in Arizona and all that it had to offer. While in Sonoita he participated in the Sonoita-Elgin Emergency Services as well as the Santa Cruz County Search and Rescue organization. He served as a trustee for Research Ranch. After then moving to Tucson, his passion for music and helping others drew him in to the Tucson Junior Strings where he served on their Executive Committee. He also served on the Executive Committee for the Tucson Botanical Gardens. He loved the outdoors, and especially enjoyed hiking the trails in the Catalina Foothills area with his dear friend and companion Debbie Ives. Fred was a 'people person' who thrived on interacting with friends and neighbors in various settings such as University of Arizona softball games, playing tennis at the Tucson Racquet Club, golfing at the Tucson Country Club or The Gallery, dining at the Mountain Oyster Club, or chatting with the staff at his 'happy place' Trader Joes. He was a loyal friend and neighbor who could be counted upon to lend a hand or a kind word, solve problems and make his community a better place for one and all. Fred is survived by his two sons, Thomas M. Heller (Boston, MA), Dr. John G. Heller (Atlanta, GA), and his daughter, Cynthia R. Heller (Boulder, CO), as well as five granddaughters, Laura Flynn George and Hannah C. Heller (Atlanta, GA), Lt. Kimberley J. Heller (U.S. Marines), Julia M. Heller and Tessa M. Heller (Boston, MA), and companion Debbie Ives of Tucson. A Memorial will take place at his home at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018. In lieu of flowers, Fred would prefer that donations be made to the Tucson Community Food Bank. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOME, Dodge Chapel.