Harvey J. Heitman

He was the loving husband of Nancy for 66 years. Beloved father of Mary (Karl) Allmayer, Karen (Patrick) Cawley, and Kevin (Lisa) Heitman. Proud grandfather of Colleen (Brendan) Jakobiak, Michelle (John) Ward, Daniel (Laura) Allmayer, Matthew (Paige) Allmayer, Patrick (Maria) Cawley, Joseph Cawley, Trevor Cawley, Kelsey Heitman, Kyle Heitman, and Connor Heitman. Cherished great-grandfather of Ruby, Henry, William, Amber, Ambrose, Dorothy, Wrenley, and Lilah. Dear brother of Richard (Charyl) Heitman and Ellen (late Gary) Brockway.

In addition to his parents, Harvey was preceded in passing by his son, Daniel Heitman, and his siblings, Mary Jean (Albert) Rogers, Paula Heitman, Paul Heitman, and Allen Heitman.

Harvey proudly served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. He spent his career as a salesman in the advertising industry. However, his true passion was coaching. Harvey built a Hall of Fame coaching career, spanning decades across both Catholic and public high schools in the Detroit area. Widely respected for his leadership, discipline, and commitment to developing young men, his influence reached far beyond the football field.

He began his coaching career in the early 1960s as an assistant football coach at Holy Redeemer High School in Detroit. It was there that he was “bit by the coaching bug,” launching a lifelong passion for mentoring student-athletes. He later joined the staff at St. Ambrose High School and Nativity High School, gaining valuable experience within the Catholic High School League (CHSL).

In 1974, Heitman became Head Football Coach at St. Agatha High School, where he also coached basketball. During his two seasons (1974–1975), he compiled an impressive 12–6 record and established himself as a strong program leader.

From 1976 through 1984, he served as Head Football Coach at Redford Union High School, further cementing his reputation as a respected and successful coach. During this time, he was named the State of Michigan Regional Coach of the Year in 1977. He also spent two years in the early 1980s as Head Coach at Oakland Community College and later returned to the sidelines as an assistant coach at Farmington High School from 2011–2012.

In recognition of his contributions to Michigan high school football, Coach Heitman was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association (MHSFCA) Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Catholic High School League (CHSL) Hall of Fame in 1987.

Because of his time at St. Ambrose, he was quoted in the well-known book Goodfellows: Champions of St. Ambrose, written by Rick Gosselin.

Throughout his career, Harvey was known not only for his knowledge of the game, but for his unwavering leadership, discipline, and dedication to character development. He took great pride in helping his players earn scholarships and continue their careers at the collegiate level.

He was also influenced and mentored by some of the most respected names in football, including Bo Schembechler, George Perles, Bill McCartney, Gary DiNardo, Gary Moeller, Lloyd Carr, Al Fracassa, John Goddard, and Tony Versaci, among many others.

More than wins and titles, Harvey took pride in mentoring athletes and instilling values that extended far beyond the game. His legacy lives on in the many lives he influenced through his coaching, guidance, and example.

In his retirement, Harvey became an avid golfer.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Monday, March 2, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St Edith Catholic Church, 15089 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48154, followed by a memorial mass beginning at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are appreciated to the charity of your choice.