Gary Lee Heilman, 73, of Annville passed away on Thursday September 9, 2021, at his daughter’s home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Annville on March 19, 1948, he was the son of the late Paul D. and Dora K. (Yerger) Heilman. He was a graduate of Annville-Cleona High School Class of ‘66, after which he served his country for 2 years in the Army 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam Conflict. He worked until retirement as a surveyor for Matthew & Hockley Surveying. Gary was a lifelong, faithful religious member of Hill Lutheran Church.
Gary loved sports, whether watching them or coaching them. He was a fan of all things Penn State, as well as the Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles. He was active in his community by coaching basketball and softball for a number of years and he made sure to always attend his children’s various sporting events. Gary was the most mannered, generous, and kind person to everyone, well that is except poor officiating – that could really fire him up! He was generous to the point of earning the nickname “Gary Good Guy”. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved going to casinos to play the slot machines.
Gary was renowned for his unique “dance” style when he was on the dance floor. He never met a woman he was afraid to talk to or ask to dance. Above all else, Gary enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, especially creating many wonderful memories at the beach. He devoted much of his time and energy to helping out others however he could, including caring for his elder parents for years.
Gary Heilman is survived by a son Brian Heilman, of Annville; daughters Kelly, wife of Anthony Sinico, of Lebanon and Kara, wife of Joshua Woolery, of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Bella Sinico, Madison Woolery, Cooper Woolery, Allyssa Owens and Bode Woolery; brother James P., husband of Arlene Heliman, of Cleona. He was preceded in death by sisters Patricia A. Plasterer and Sally L. Bachman.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Kreamer Funeral Home & Crematory, 618 E. Main St. Annville, PA 17003. Graveside service will be on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Hill Lutheran Church Cemetery, 998 N. Mill St, Lebanon, PA 17046.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in his name.