As I was struggling to write an obituary for my husband, I came across the one you wrote for your Father.  My children were raised on Archie Bunker and Benny Hill too:)  In spite of my husbabd's irreverence, he had a softer gentler side also.  I was looking for a way to mix the two together.  I think I just found it.   You have inherited your Father's sense of humor, as well as the ability to put it in writing.  Thank you for this masterpiece of Obituaries!!

Sharon W.
California

I Iive in Minneapolis. I forget how I came across Joe's obituary, but it was shortly after his death.  I saved it and sent it on to several other people in the U.S., Canada, China, Norway and Scotland.  God only knows where it was forwarded from those places, or how many lives were enriched by his life even though they never knew him. 

But now consider how many other people shared this priceless eulogy, as I have, with people THEY knew. I can't begin to imagine, but I bet it sure adds up.

And it's still happening. It's now July 4, 2020, and I just re-read Joe's obituary and delighted in it all over again---and I just thought of a few more people to send it to! 

I thank God for Joe, and I thank God for all his loved ones who helped compose this beautiful and inspiring tribute. I suspect Joe would understand the paradoxical quote I keep posted above my desk: "Life is too important to take seriously." This is only partly true, of course, but Joe would have well-understood that too. ---Rev. James Snyder

This is the Greatest Obituary I had read it was so heartfelt like I had known him 
Love the life and Legacy he left I reside in Tn 
Blessings to you all and Peace Joseph reminded me of my grandpa George Wilkerson Penelope ann


I was thinking about writing my own Obituary. And I looked up how to do it and came across Joe’s. And Oh My Goodness was that a Sign or What. I had to Read it A Few Times. And thought WOW what a Special Person He Was. He would light up a Room in no time. I wish I had met you all. What a Happy and Funny Life He Gave you all to Remember. Keep His Memories going. Thoughts and Prayers to The Entire Family. God has got his hands full now. There will be So Much Laughing in Heaven. (PS  Joe try to behave up there).

I had just moved to Essex in 1980 to take a chef’s job at the Copper Beach Inn and rented a house on North Main St. The driveway for it happen to be on Prospect St. next to the firehouse . One day a rotund fella standing in front of the firehouse stopped me in my little red sports car and asked me if I was interested in joining the dept. as a volunteer. Of course it’s everyones childhood dream , and to seal the deal he told me I could get my class II license and since I lived right behind the firehouse I would be the first one there when the alarm went off and I would be able to drive a fire truck. He made it too easy to say yes . Needless to say one of my first calls , I was leaving the station when I received a radio transmission that they did not need my truck so backing up  I sort of destroyed a car out of my view that was parked illegally across from the firehouse. Obviously Joe was my constant reminder of that incident . Joe was quite the mentor during my 2 year tenure at the dept. . I loved hearing all his stories most ending in a hilarious antidote . Over the years when I would find myself in Essex I would stop by Bombacis to see him. R.I.P. big guy!


Didn't know the gentleman but he could be a buddy of mine by his obit-RIP prankster Joe.


Today my husband called me into the house and said "You must sit down and read this"! I read it aloud and we chuckled and also shed a few tears. What a wonderful, colorful man Joe was, I wish we could have met him! Of course we don't know Joe or your family but what a legacy he left! We are hosting a Chili Cook Off tomorrow and I have printed it and put it in a sheet protector and will share with our guests! 
Sorry for your loss, I'm sure you are so thankful for Joe's life and legacy!

Joe sounds like an awesome man.  I hope he takes the time to look up my own father, Neil Donaghey, in Heaven.  We lost him much too soon, but I bet he would consider Joe a kindred spirit up there. 

Sorry for your loss.  While I never knew t
Your dad, the obituary brought him to our house.  We feel he could have lived next door.   You’re going to miss him ,like your mom.   But she will be busy with him,so learn to enjoy without them .  Your memories will keep you smiling for. A long time.  You are a very good writer and a very good person.
You’ll be real busy closing up his house, I can just tell.
  Lovingly, Marilyn 

I came across the story about your Dad's obituary and decided to read it, and I was deeply touched.  It was a funny obituary, which I enjoy, and you obviously loved your Dad, which is wonderful.  What touched me about it the most is that it reminded me so much of my Dad!  I suspect that had chance and geography allowed for it, our Dads would have been great friends and even greater partners in crime. They appear to share so many similarities!  Navy Vets, good cussers, dog lovers, sleep anywhere-ers, DGAF about the clothes they wear, and the list goes on.

Anyway, I don't know any of you and will probably never meet any of you, but your Dad sounded like a great guy and I am genuinely sorry for your loss.

I just read your dad's tribute.  My sympathy to the entire family.  My dad had a lot in common with your dad.  My sister had a date one night and my dad answered the door with his army rifle (told us he was just cleaning it).  The date left never to be seen again.  When we got home from dates, most parents would flick the outside light on and off, not our dad.  He would come right out to the car and say "I think it is time you came in Miss".  Like your dad ours taught us the value of hard work, and family and he had a terrific sense of humour.  (Canadian spelling)  
Cherish the memories of your dad and mom and lean on each other for comfort and solace.

So sorry for your loss. While I did not personally know Joe, it is very clear that he is my dad's long lost older brother. The genetic traits of love of dogs and junk are unmistakable. 
Best wishes to you.

I’ll never forget the time Joe and your faithful reporter joined up for a visit to the annual general meeting of the Secret Bushmiller Society. When we arrived, we saw several active tables where members were engaged with playing games of Five-Card-Nancy. There were many cheaters seated at the tables and whenever discovery and dismissal of one of those members occurred, Joe would stand up and bellow: s’all good! Boo—ooo—ooo—ooo very loudly. I’ll miss Joe. Knowing Joe was a Masterclass in FUN!


This is the most creative and hilarious obituary I have ever read.  It was published in the 9/21/19 edition of the Rambler (www.RamblerNewspapers.com), a local newspaper in Irving, TX.  Irving is between downtown Dallas and DFW Airport.  I could not find any connection between Joe and our area, but I feel like I knew him now.  Thanks for sharing your memories.  I am sure he is in a happy place now.

Bob Harper
Irving, Texas

So Sorry for your loss. From the sound of things, I’m certain he will be missed GREATLY!  

I am sorry for your loss of such a beloved man. I do not know your family but I read your obituary and have to say I teared up reading it, I felt that just for a few minutes I knew your dad. What a lovable and unforgettable man. Cherish your memories and prayers to all.

Joe sounds like an amazing man, and by the words written from his family members, it sounds like he taught them well!  Please accept my condolences as I can only imagine how much this “so-full-of-life” man will be missed. ❤️

Oh my gosh!  I think I love him!  I’m so sorry for your loss, but what a legacy!  ❤️

A friend sent me your father's obituary because it is so much like you could you weary of my longtime loving partner Daniel J Kirchner who died in April 20th. You may have truly talk to me in writing the best obituary I've ever read. It's wonderful to have characters in your life. You have stories to share for a long time to come

Oh, your Dad and I.... birds of a feather.  Not many understand us nor our exploits, but those who do, love every minute of it, and we love them back.  We're a rare breed, but one that is so needed in this craziness of life that we live.  Thank you for sharing his loving and well-thought out obituary.  In the words of the band, Filter and their famed song,  Hey Man, Nice Shot ........"I wish I would've met you.  Now it's a little late.  What you could've taught me, I could've saved some face......Hey Man!!!!, how's it goin'?  Hey Man!........ Hey Man, have fun!!"

I could have never met your father as I am have never visited the US but  I can tell you loved him dearly and he loved you back. He seems to have lived a good and interesting life and at the end of the day that's all one can wish for. I send you all my deepest condolences and pray that he rest in peace. May you find strength in one another and never forget him. 

Oh, what an astoundingly funny and loving tribute! I did not know Joe, but I had a dad much like him. They deserve the very best remembrances, and this obituary is exactly that. My deepest condolences on your loss. 

I never met Joe but enjoyed the read.  I'm a fellow fireman and could only hope my 2 families (home and fire) will write something as thoughtful as Joe's story.

I have never read such a wonderful picture of a mans life!!  He sounds like a wonderful man! I am so sorry your dads gone! Prayers for you all. 

My sincerest sympathies to the Heller family. I didn't know Joe, but after reading the obit, I wish I had!  Sounds like a wonderful guy!

I'm sorry to hear of your family's loss, but thank you for sharing such a unique tribute to your father.  

On the "fun" side, reading about his many antics was entertaining (as I'm sure he was), but then there was that tender side to him, as well -- like not punishing any of his furry "prisoners," or letting you and your sisters "do" his hair or apply make-up.  I especially loved the collection of stuff he had on-hand for the would-be suitors who actually got invited into your home, after (of course) first having successfully passed the license plate check and bald tire inspection.  Loved the part about what followed, too.  Shotguns alone weren't enough for your dad, in an attempt no doubt to ward off any ne'er-do-well potential suitors.  After all, you were Joe's daughters, and an entire collection of devices were on display.  By the way, the addition of the harpoons and sheep "nutters" were a nice touch on his part.  We don't live near the ocean, nor do we have a farm, but it's too bad that my husband didn't think of the latter two items when the daughter was dating.  She did pick a really great guy, though, has been married for several years already, and has a lovely daughter.  We're going to have to pass those tips/suggestions on to our grand-daughter's dad, though, for his future use. 

I always thought my daddy "took the cake" when it came to being a prankster and generally all-around fun guy, but I am quite certain that your account of your father's life leaves no doubt that he should be crowned as the best-of-the-best.   

Again, I'm sorry for your family's loss, but thanks to your non-traditional obituary, your dad now will continue to live on in the minds of the many thousands who have read your tribute to him.   

I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad; but this is the funniest thing I’ve read in the last 10 minutes.  ROTFLMAO!  Please know that once I can breathe normally again, I will offer prayers for the repose of your Dad's soul and the protection of anyone in his vicinity.  May you have comfort in knowing so many people think and pray for you.  Hugs!

My sincere condolences on the loss of your Fun loving and precious Dad.
I thank God I did not marry him!

Very cool obit. Kudos on spending big bucks on it! Sounds like you got him good with this! Also sounds like he produced at least one cool daughter who wrote it and two others who allowed it! 

What a wonderful tribute. Thank you for sharing this with the world. I send my condolences to your family. But you have it right... Celebrating his life, his love and his joy. That is how we all would love to be remembered. What a special family you are and what a special man it seems that Joe was! God Bless ♥️

I wish I had known him. Thanks for sharing your memories with the world.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories of Joe Heller.  Unfortunately, I did not know Joe or his family, but his obituary and the articles published about him and his life truly struck a note.  It is a celebration of a life well-lived and lived with gusto, happiness, enjoyment and thoughtfulness.  

That more of us should live such a full life.

Thank you for sharing.

First, we want to say our most sincere condolences to the Heller family. Bob knew Joe from the fire department and State police. But I got to know him in a different way. Bob had rescued a dog off the highway that I said we were going to keep for only the weekend. It turned out to be a 16 year weekend. He was 20 lbs of terror and destruction.  That dog was an a**whole too, but we loved him anyways. When he was about 11 years old, he broke his back leg. We took him home, and while waiting for Griswold’s orthopedic surgeon to call ( did I mention expensive too) I fell on the dog, and he bit me in the face. I went to the Shoreline Clinic.  Joe showed up because a dog bite must be reported. When he found out why I was bit, he laughed, and said  “I f...ing deserved it. He would have bit me too!!” 
His obituary is a beautiful, funny tribute the man he was. May he Rest In Peace 

What a beautiful and honest tribute to your Dad! Life must never have been dull around him. May he enjoy eternal peace, even at the expense of other's peace! If he meets up with my Dad, heaven will never be the same! Peace to all his family and friends.

My deepest sympathies on losing Mr.. Heller to bless your lives with irreverence and saltiness. It sounds like he passed his humor, joy in life, and sense of community to all of you. Thank you for living your lives in a way that honors him and blesses all your communities and making a difference in the world.

Joe must have been a great father to turn out daughters that could speak of him in such a perfect way.  Take comfort in the time and great memories you shared.

I, too was raised by a comedian, life loving,radio personality Gerald AKA Joe-------and I thank GOD everyday.
I'm so sorry................That you have all that mess to clean up..........(yes....smart ass begets  southern smart ass)
Thank you for sharing your daddy's story.

I wish I had known Joe personally.  He sounds like a good man.  You were very lucky to have him in your life.  We need more people like him, would keep things interesting.

I love this man!!! I wish I had lived in the same town so I could have actually known him, not just the rich flavor I got from your amazing dedication to him. I hope there’s an afterlife so he can be happily laughing his time away reading and re-reading your kind and hilarious words. My condolences to you all for the absence you must so deeply feel. 

I really wish I had been fortunate enough to have met Joe. I am just reading about him for the first time in this viral obituary. He sounds absolutely amazing. We need a lot more of him in this life. Thank you for sharing a little about him for us all to read. I'm sorry for your loss, and the rest of the world's, that he is no longer here to share his love, laughter, and light. May you always find comfort in the memories of his smile, his laughs, and his jokes.

When I saw the Fox News piece on Joe Hellers obituary I couldn't believe it was our old neighbor from so many years ago in Centerbrook. My husband and I lived across the street from Joe and Irene back in the late 80's when we were newlyweds. Joe helped us more than once when we had house problems or repair issues but we always were reminded that we were young dopes and had no clue what we were doing.....he nailed it! His manner was nothing that I had ever encountered (raised a western girl..) but his presence was comforting . I will never forget the day we brought our first daughter home from the hospital during a horrible snow storm in December 1989. We arrived home to find our driveway plowed. I will remember him as someone who quietly loved his neighbor, but I love knowing he was a character I wish I'd known.

Simply outstanding!  I agree with Kathy, love is very evident.  

Sounds like a great guy.  Wish there were more like him.
Sorry for your loss, but happy you had him for as long as you did.

Dear Heller Family,

It's not often that an obituary doubles as a treatise on how to best enjoy life. Yours breaks the mold, just like Joe did. Thank you for being you, and thank you to Joe for passing on perhaps the most valuable lesson of all: have fun.

All the best,
Tim
Madison, Wisconsin

Rarely do we read an obituary that manages to convey the unique love of a family for a loved one. 

Dear Heller family,

I don't generally read obituaries, but the headline of the article in the New York Times claiming it was "the best obituary ever" was just too good to pass up. I'm so glad I took the time. Joe Heller sounds like the kind of person I would have loved to know. Between the slightly uncouth sense of humor, the hoarding, and the dog rescues, he would have fit in quite well with my family. This world needs more good people who don't take themselves too seriously and know how to have a little fun. I'm terribly sorry for your loss, but I'm glad the birds in your neighborhood will be fed for the next 5 years with the leftover birdseed you found at his house. I hope the memories and stories of Joe's antics live on for generations to come, inspiring people to let lose, drop an f-bomb and help their neighbor. Joe, Jack and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing about this wonderful man. 

Warmest regards,
Christy Pape-Somerville

Dear Heller Family:
A friend in Iowa shared with me your wise, hysterically funny tribute to your amazing Dad. You have honored him in the highest fashion. He is a true original and thank you for lighting up the world with this poignant account of all that he brought to his family and community. Like others, I wish I had known him. Yes, indeed, he will be missed for a long time. Sending you all a snug virtual hug of love and condolences and my heartfelt hope that you will carry on his zany traditions. The world is a better place for having him, and for you. Bless you, each one.  : ) 

First, my condolences on the loss of your father who, from the depth and breadth of the obituary was certainly one of a kind.  You do not know me, nor I you nor your father -- my daughter forwarded the obituary to me this morning and I laughed and laughed and read it at least three times.  This is a tribute more than an obituary and it is a tribute to your father (parents) and your family.  I think I'm going to suggest that my own children take note as this is exactly the kind of send off I would love.  I also have to increase my collection of inappropriate t-shirts and dresses to wear in public if I am going to earn such a reputation.  Again, my condolences for it would be a great loss to lose such a personality in this world. 

With love and respect

Theresa Anderson-Butcher
Sudbury, Ontario Canada 

What a wonderful expression of love and joy your obituary is to read!
I loved every minute of reading, and it brightened my day.
I know that your Loved One has been escorted to Glory on Angels' wings.
God bless you Family of Joseph....

I did not know your father, but after reading his obituary, I wish I had.  How very lucky you are to have had him in your lives. I’m so sorry for your loss.

To the family of Mr. Heller,

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father/grandfather. I did not know him personally, but after reading his well-written obituary, I feel as though I  did, and knowing him would have been a privilege. I even think he and my father would have been "cronies" with their shared interests (particularly the hoarding aspects and irreverent gestures). Hopefully, they can bump into each other in the after-life and swap stories.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss. 
Kindest regards,
Lucinda Fleming 

Wish I would have known him, he sounds like my kind of guy. The world needs more people like Joe. My condolences to Joe's family.

I wish to extend my condolences.  A friend of mine sent me your Father's obituary and upon reading it I both laughed and cried.  He has left behind wonderful memories of a life well-lived.  I hope you will consider writing a book about him!  I would love to read more!

I began by reading Joe's Story in the New York Times this Morning and quickly went to the Obit in the Hartford Courant. Of course I never knew Joe, and I think that is my loss. What a wonderful character he must have been (and all joking aside he seemed like a solid member of the community), the type of person you could depend on but better also keep your guard up around. Making others laugh (or cringe) is a very special gift that has evidently endeared many folks to him, even those like myself who never met him. Just reading about him has lightened my morning up. Sorry for the family's and communities loss, but sounds like his life was fully lived and well-celebrated. 
R.I.P Mr Heller, Jr. 

Simply wonderful!   We could all use a Joe in our life.
You have been blessed.

Didn't know Joe or his family - but sounds likes a great guy. Thank you for your military service, Joe! Give 'em H#$%.

Please accept my condolences. Joe seemed like a great person to be around and it's great to see that you're able to say "see you later" as opposed to "goodbye" and with a fair amount of humor! Thank you for sharing his life with the world. 

Please accept my condolences. I did not know your dad, but it sounds like he was quite a character and had a life well-lived. You are fortunate that he was your dad.

From Ireland : A few years back myself and my husband went out with friends. Going out was a far between occurrence. My husband over indulged in wine and whiskey that night. When we eventually got him home I could only lay him on the floor to sleep.  Every time I started to drift asleep on the couch my drunken husband would roar out, Joe, Joe, Fuck off Joe.  It happened about 370 times that night. Even the kids the next morning were asking who the hell was Joe....  

Now we know.  

RIP Joe. 

God speed 

What a wonderfully written tribute.  We all think these things, but the way you wrote it showed such love and humor.  Many thoughts to your family.  Kathy from Lincoln, NE

I had no idea that my father had another family in Connecticut...this man could easily have been my own dad.  Having grown up with a parent that teased incessantly, and insisted that I watch Archie Bunker and Bennie Hill, I would swear that I was alone in having been raised by such an odd duck.  Thank heaven for men like your father.  Mr. Heller sounds like one heck of a guy, and part of a generation that will never be repeated.  My deepest condolences on your loss, but it sounds like you have a lifetime of wonderful memories to cherish.

Reading this online this morning made me tear up. This is exactly the way I want to be remembered and exactly how I want my daughters to remember me. Thank you to his daughters for such a thoughtful tribute and thank you for sharing your dad however briefly with the world that may have been. RIP Joe.

Your family was truly blessed to have a man who left you so many happy memories. Hopefully at least one of his children or grandchildren will continue his tradition of being irreverent and loving and pure fun. Your father would be very proud of his children!


I would just like to say that I am sorry I never got to meet Joe! Your description of him tells me two things.
One, he had a gentle spirit and loved to have fun.
Two, he raised a good family, and lived his life on Joe's terms!
May God receive him and say Well done!!
My kinda guy!!
Thanks for sharing his legacy in such a fun and unusual way!!
       JT

I didn't know Joseph, but I impressed with how the well humored people can make difference everywhere they go. I hope his way of life be contagious and, on this hope, I will send my mother-in-law to expend some time with you all...
God bless my unknown friend Joseph Heller Jr. and his loved seeds.
Robson Werneck, from Foz do Iguaçu (iguassu)/Brazil

Heckuva man.  Just found out the man and demand a DNA test.  I'll swear at length he is a  relative to some of the best people I've come to know in the Midwest.  Joe, when you are in heaven, look up Aunt Delila....you two can put toilets in people's yards with signs that say, "Turning 50 is the Sh!ts"     Thanks for living a great life and inspiring me to take it up a notch.

Blessings to you and your families.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  By the way, this is the best obituary I have ever read and an amazing way to honor your father. 

First off, my deepest condolences on the passing of your dad/grandpa/best friend. Stay strong, and always cherish what sounds like a mass of wonderful memories.
I write this with the deepest of respect, but a minimum of writing skill: I didn't know the man and live on the other side of the state, but man, this guy is one of the handful of people I've read about who I really regretted not knowing. I am actually bummed I missed the memorial. 
Heck, I'm glad I believe in an afterlife, as I'm hoping to encounter him there when I shuffle off this mortal coil (and I'm hoping he's met my mom there. I could see them creating havoc in heaven together!)
Weird to be writing all this for a dude I don't know. I never do this. Goes to show you...he must have been something special.
Much love, support, and healing to you all.
Jenni


I would have loved, loved, LOVED to have known Joe.  Cannot wait to meet him in heaven.  What a fantastic tribute to a unique gentleman!  

What a great send off.  Thank you for sharing his memory with us.  Reading and typing in Saginaw, Mi.  in case you are keeping track...

I can't wait to die and meet the man!  He's right up my cup of tea.  While working as a computer programmer, I once swapped out all the liquid soap in the bathrooms with vegetable oil.  Maybe we're related somehow...

I never met Joe, but after reading this, I wish I had!!! He sounds like an interesting person, and Irene has her work cut out for her up there! 

Hello, I read about you dad's obituary online and wanted to come and share my condolences from Texas. I didn't know your father but he sounded like my kinda guy. I had the perfect shirt to wear to his home going. Based on his obituary I know his memory will definitely live on and stay alive through all of the lives he touched. 

Much love and condolences,
Lisa from Texas

Let the record reflect that this man's story, his deeds and the obvious love that his friends and family who put up with him have brought a total stranger to tears. I am indebted to my long term friend Laverne Tromp Blickley of Grand Rapids, Michigan for sharing.

I'm very sorry for your loss.  I will have to bump my game and strive harder every day to try and be half the fun guy that your dad was.  He's am absolute inspiration to me. 

Cheers to the man who gave us the term "Catch-22" and so much more.

Joe, it was an honor to have your dog poop in my yard.  Now get back from the dead and clean it up!

From what I’ve read about Joe, my life would have been enriched having known him! So sorry for your loss but envious of you for the years you had with him.

Found his obit on FB. For a man who didn't like a fuss made about him...he'd probably be mad as hell that he's gone viral. :-)

Your family is in my prayers...and so is your Mom. Sounds like she's gonna need em up there. 

I offer you my deepest sympathies as I cried reading your brilliant, beautiful, and inspirational obituary. I can only wish to henceforth live as fully and joyfully as it is apparent your father did. He is to be honored to live his great life and also to be honored to have sired as wonderful and creative children as you. God bless Joe, and all his family.

What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing your memories with strangers such as me. His life story has touched many people. Too bad the mold was broken because the world sure needs more people like him. Sincere condolences to your family and all who knew him. 

Joe, you were not only a customer, but also a friend.  Our hearts are fuller for having known you, and our facility will be fuller for your passing.

What a guy!  I now do have a serious regret about my life:  I didn't get to meet Joe Heller.

But now.....I do REALLY want to meet his daughters!  Expressions of love take different forms.  This one is of the very best variety.  (And yes....my two daughters will be receiving copies of your Dad's obit with instructions to them too.......try and live up to it.  But knowing them, they will reply "but why, you didn't live up to Mr. Heller's standard.")

I did not know Joe; though I wish had. After reading his obituary, however, I know enough about him to impart this:
Our country, indeed the world, needs more Joe Hellers more than anything else.

This is a person who we all wish we had known.  I read his Obituary on facebook and wanted to thank his family for sharing it. 
Your Joseph seems like a wonderful man! God bless you as you heal from his loss.

 
What a lovely, dear, brilliant man; I read every word he wrote, and he decidedly influenced my own writing career;
 God bless him and your's.

Terry Lawson

I am on the opposite end of the United States, but read Joe's obituary with great love and "fun."  In my neck of the woods, there is a headstone of someone, probably a ship's crew member, who died in Kealakekua, South Kona, Hawaii.  This is where Mark Twain walked by when he was in Hawaii.  If you ever read Mark Twain's short story (and Jack London's "Sheriff of Kona") you will enjoy the humor these men had.  I imagine Joe would have loved to hang out with them as well.  

Aloha and thanks for sharing.  Joe seems what America is all about and ought to be (continually).  

Working in a funeral home and writing obituaries, I felt compelled to read Joe's obituary that his family wrote.  Best, most honest, and funniest obituary I've ever read!  His family seems very blessed (or cursed, lol) to have him and his sense of humor in their family.  God bless the family! 

What a lucky man to have such a good and humorous family.
RIP Joe

How wonderful and challenging sharing a life with such a man.  His love and joy and strength are reflected in all you shared.  I only hope heaven was prepared to receive him, maybe your Mom gave them a fair warning.  May your heart rest easy, be filled with laughter and always treasure the gift of his life.


I saw the story about the obit online and had to share it on Facebook after reading it. 
Simply put, the world could use more Joes. 

I've read the obit 10 times and laughed and cried every time. What a life! What a remembrance!

Dammit Joe, you still owe me twenty bucks!

What a wonderful Father you have.  Mr. Joe sounds like a man I could easily call my friend and with his love of laughter and the joy he tried to bring to people's lives is to be commended.  I am sure he is very proud of you three girls and no doubt your parents did a remarkable job raising you.  I offer my sympathy in your loss, but pray you will continue his legacy filling the world with laughter. I only knew him through your obit.

Dearest Lisette,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved father. He sounds like an amazing father, husband and overall incredible human being. The world is a sadder place without him in it. I wish I could have met him - he certainly will be remembered by all who did.
 In Friendship,
Dr Kirejczyk

I didn’t know your Dad but I know we’d get along fabulously.  I am facing my demise sooner than later.  Sent a copy of your father’s obituary to my son since he intends to plant me, even though I’d prefer he toss me down the hole in the outhouse. Perfectly legal here in Alaska.  I hope he will remember me as fondly as you remembered your Dad. Thank you!

I have never met Joe (I'll call him Joe because I know that he would like me). He sounds like a superb human. I can relate to having an inappropriate mouth (at times), crazy clothes, antics and love of dogs. 
Joe sounds like a hoot and you were very fortunate to have him in your corner.
I'm sorry for your loss but think he's left you with lots of comic relief.

Never knew him, never met him, but he is surely my brother from another mother. I would have worn my 'needs supervision' t-shirt, treated myself generously to the free food, and wondered what of his previously used acquisitions I 'needed' - "I'm not a hoarder, I'm a scavenger!"... I am very sorry for your loss, and thank you for  providing inspiration and a place to let my insufferable smartass to his thing. 

OBITUARY

Joseph A. Heller, Jr.

January 27, 1937 – September 8, 2019

Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home

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