Walter Heller

HELLER, Walter – 84, longtime Scituate resident passed away suddenly on the afternoon of November 14, 2022 at the South Shore Hospital. He was the beloved husband of Susan Heller, with whom he shared nearly 10 years of marriage.

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia on February 3, 1938, he was the son of the late Emil and Maria (Furich) Heller. He was raised on his family farm and shared many stories of the historical events he witnessed throughout the WWII era. He lived a true “American Dream” story, immigrating to the United States as a teenager in 1957 when he hitched a ride on a plane carrying orphaned children to their adoptive families in the United States.

He began his life in America in New York City, where he was employed by the United Nations for many years, starting as a copy boy in the offices there. He worked hard earning a living and taught himself to read and speak the English language. He officially became a United States Citizen several years after his arrival. A true Patriot, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country stateside for four years.

Upon his return to civilian life, Walter moved to New England and began honing his skills as an upholsterer, serving as an upholsterer’s assistant. In the late 1960’s, he finally opened his own business, Heller Furniture. The business operated in many towns throughout Massachusetts and New York. The style and skill in which Walter crafted his pieces created high demand for his work and he shipped his pieces worldwide. Walter never retired from his furniture-making and upholstering, working up until this last year.

When he had free time, he enjoyed sailing and skiing and was always very involved in his community. He was a past President of the Scituate Rotary Club and was a longstanding member of the Elks and American Legion. His faith was important to him and he was a devoted parishioner of Christ Lutheran Church.

He was the devoted father of David W. Heller and his wife Susan of Westborough and Steven K. Heller and his wife Amy of Hamden, CT. Stepfather of Heather Sargent and her husband Patrick of Marshfield.

Cherished Grandpa of Noah Heller, Lucas Heller, Allison Sargent, Kaleigh Sargent and great granddaughter Adriane. He was predeceased by his sister Edith.

Visitation on Monday, November 21 from 3-7 PM at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate. Funeral Tuesday, November 22 at 11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 460 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Scituate.

Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate , 501 St. Judes Place, Memphis, TN 38105.