Robert Joseph Heitzman

Robert Joseph Heitzman, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Leesburg, surrounded by his family, on Friday, September 16, 2022. He was born February 18, 1936, in Paterson, NJ to Edward and Charlotte. He was the youngest of 3 with Mary and Eddie leading the way. After graduating from high school, he attended Fordham University for one year and then continued his education at the University of Iowa where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. While on a visit home during his 1st year at Iowa he met Pat and they married before his last semester. They were blessed with 45 years of marriage before Pat passed of cancer in 2004. He and Pat relocated to Hollywood, Florida in the early 60’s where he began his career as a retail pharmacist, and they started a family. They were long time parishioners of Nativity parish in Hollywood. His devout Catholic faith was a foundation. He was involved in a great many groups through his faith including eucharistic minister, Nativity school PTA and Nativity school board, Christian Family Movement (CFM) and Knight of Columbus. Bob was not one to stand on the sidelines. He quickly rose to leadership in most of the organizations he chose to embrace. In addition to the church groups that he served with, he pursued leadership opportunities with his hobbies of Orchid growing as president of the Ft. Lauderdale Orchid Society, and with Hummels by forming the Broward County Hummel Chapter and serving as President. Upon retirement for both Pat and Bob, they relocated to Leesburg, Florida in 2001 to enjoy their retirement in an active community. They enjoyed traveling worldwide and took many trips abroad including cruises. After Pat’s passing in 2004, Bob became even more involved in St. Paul’s Catholic Church where he served as a daily sacristan, Eucharistic Minister, and lector. He was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus for 56 years and serve as Grand Knight of St. Paul’s Council 5644 and District Deputy for the Florida State Council. One of the highlights of his life was a trip to Italy and Vatican City where he participated in a general audience with the Pope. He enjoyed holiday gatherings with family, family reunions, and many different family outings. He loved meeting his friends for meals. Robert is preceded in death by his “Special Angel”, Patricia. He is survived by his daughters, Susan Goscinski, (Michael) and Peggy Coffman (George); granddaughters Sarah Goscinski, Margaret Goscinski and Danielle Crispino; brother Edward Heitzman; and sisters-in-law Marie Hayes and Sarah Leonard (Ben LaPointe). A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Community on Thursday, September 22, 2022. Interment will be at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vitas Hospice.

Robert Joseph Heitzman

February 18, 1936 - September 16, 2022