Robert John Heller

He was born on March 5, 1935 in Philadelphia, PA, to Robert and Elizabeth (Roll) Heller. He lived most of his life in South Jersey until his retirement to Florida and Virginia.

Bob graduated from Moorestown High School in 1953, where he played baseball and became the proud owner of a 1947 black Ford convertible. He served in the New Jersey National Guard. In March of 1961, he met Margaret (Marge) Rapagna, his beloved wife of over 64 years, before becoming a father to two daughters, Kristin and Lauren. He enjoyed a lengthy career in Contracts and Supply Chain Management for several companies, including Computer Sciences Corporation in Falls Church, VA, from which he retired in 1999.

Bob enjoyed golfing, walking on the beach, and caring for his lawn. Wherever Bob lived, a lush green lawn and meticulously maintained home were his pride and joy. He was a WWII and Civil War enthusiast and collector and enjoyed traveling and sharing stories from his many overseas trips with Marge. He had a love for Italian food and chocolate and would eat both daily if Marge let him. He had a wicked sense of humor and could watch the same war movies on repeat if allowed. He took great pleasure in the attention he received from his “It Only Took Me 90 Years to Look This Good” baseball cap, a welcome reminder to us all that he lived a healthy and full life.

His true joy in life, however, came from his family, and he was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He was fiercely protective of his girls and grandsons and could always be counted on to provide guidance and assistance when needed, even when we didn’t know we needed it.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert George Heller; mother, Elizabeth Roll Heller; a brother, Charles Heller, and sister, Susan Heller.

Bob is survived by his wife, Margaret Heller; two daughters, Lauren McCollum and Kristin Heller; two grandsons, William Kristopik (Lauren) and Ryan McCollum; a sister, AnnaMae Hubler, and several nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Home, 1621 Emancipation Highway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, on Tuesday, January 20th, at 11:00am, with a lunch reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Journey’s End Animal Sanctuary, 1899 Mercers Fernery Rd., DeLand, FL 32720. Donations can be made online at Donate Online | Journey's End Deland.