Karl Otto Heine

Karl Otto Heine – 65, of Pembroke, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on June 20, 2025, after a long battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was the beloved husband of Maria J. Martins, with whom he shared 9 years of marriage.

Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, son of the late Joseph Otto and Pauline (Madden) Heine. Karl graduated from South Shore Vocational Technical High School. Karl went on to travel the world throughout his fishing career. He started swordfishing on the Stephanie Vaughn as the engineer and captained several swordfishing boats, including the now famous “Andrea Gail” in Newfoundland’s Grand Banks that became the subject of the “Perfect Storm”. He finished his professional life as a master mechanic in local 4. His love of the ocean was always present in Karl’s life, whether it was fishing for pleasure, taking walks along the beach with his wife Maria and their precious dog Joy or using his vast knowledge to fabricate tuna pulpits.

Karl will always be remembered for his big heart, generosity, and fierce loyalty to the people he loved most. From helping strangers on the side of the highway, to his willingness to lend his last dollar to a friend in need, Karl was the type of man that you could always count on day and night. Besides being an expert fisherman and capable of fixing anything with an engine, he was a master in the kitchen. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Otto, who owned his own bakery, Karl took on the majority of cooking responsibilities for family dinners and holidays. He could whip up a 4 course meal like it was nothing and you were in for a treat if he was making his famous sausage and kale soup.

Father of Karl Joseph Heine and partner Taylor Peck of Fishers, IN, Erik Otto Heine of Scituate, MA. Stepfather of Ashley Mahan and husband John Mahan of Braintree, MA.

Pappy to Karl “JJ” Heine, Landon Heine and Olivia Mahan. Brother of Paula Secia and husband Brian Secia of Plymouth, MA. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Karl will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Richardson-Gaffey Funeral Home, 382 First Parish Road, Scituate. Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1 Kent Street, Scituate Harbor. Interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Meeting House Lane, Scituate. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.