Harold "Dee-Dee" Heller
July 23, 1936 ~ April 4, 2025
Born in: Sugarcreek Borough, Pennsylvania
Resided in: Franklin, Pennslvania
Harold Dewayne “Dee-Dee” Heller, 88, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, as well as a well-known Franklin businessman and sports enthusiast, passed away on Friday, April 4th at Sugar Creek Care Center.
Born on July 23, 1936, in Sugarcreek, he was the son of the late Paul and Mildred (Cornelius) Heller.
After graduating from Rocky Grove High School in 1954, Harold went on to proudly serve in the Army National Guard of Pennsylvania from 1954-1955 and the United States Air Force from June 1955 to February 1959.
Throughout his life, Harold had a diverse career, working at the Butler VA, Pratt Whitney Aircraft, and owning his own real estate business, the Harold Heller Agency.
On June 10, 1961, Harold married the former Shirley Laree Young in Butler. They moved to Connecticut, then to Herman, PA before eventually settling in Sugarcreek.
Harold was an entrepreneur at heart, opening Burger Corral in 1972, which later became S&H Pizza and then S&H Motors.
He was passionate about sports, refereeing basketball, umpiring baseball, and managing men’s softball teams, including Burger Corral, S&H Pizza, and Baker’s Transportation.
Harold enjoyed square dancing, card games, hunting, and spending time with friends at McDonald’s. He loved watching his grandkids play sports and was active in the Sugarcreek Civic Club.
Harold was a member of the Atlantic Ave. United Brethren Church.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Young) Heller; their four children, Loretta Heller, Frank (Bev) Heller, Darlene (Rick) Fike, and Alan (Amanda) Heller; 11 grandchildren, Timothy Heller, Miranda Heller, Trevor (Mackenzie) Guthrie, Brandon Heller, Brittany Fike, Dylan Heller, Mariah (Louis V) Bernardo, Austin (Jayla) Frankenberger, Zack Heller, Scottie Walters, and Leia Walters; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and numerous lifelong friends including best friend, Jack Hall.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Frank and Norie (Gerwick) Young; and his siblings, Clarence Heller, Ken Heller, Arlo Heller, Janice Veverka, Don Heller, and Kay Coleman.
The family would like to thank the staff of Sugar Creek Care Center for their exceptional care and compassion.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 8th from 3-6pm at the Atlantic Avenue Church, 160 Atlantic Ave, Franklin with a funeral service to follow at 6 pm with Associate Pastor Jason Peterson officiating.
Harold will be laid to rest at Lupher Chapel Cemetery, Franklin.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Atlantic Avenue Church, 160 Atlantic Avenue, Franklin, PA 16323.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, PA 16323.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family on Harold’s Book of Memories online at www.WarrenFH.com
Services
Visitation: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Atlantic Avenue Church
160 Atlantic Avenue
Franklin, Pennsylvania 16323
Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 8, 2025 6:00 pm
Atlantic Avenue Church
160 Atlantic Avenue
Franklin, Pennsylvania 16323
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Harold "Dee-Dee" Heller 's name.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
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Harold was a good guy and a good father and a good friend.
We have wonderful memories of working at the Burger, corral and S&H pizza. Thinking of you during this tough time.
To Shirley and family,
You have our deepest sympathy in Harold’s passing.
Always had a good time playing putt putt golf and having pizza. Thanks for making my childhood great you will be missed.
Rest in peace, Dewayne.
Dewayne (and Shirley) gave me my first real job at S&H Pizza. It was like working for a second set of parents, and I will never forget the many kindnesses shown to me in my years there. Dewayne had a quick wit and a wicked sense of humor – he always had us laughing whenever he was in the house. In the community, he was a man of compassion, nurture, and family – a great example for anyone who knew or mingled with him. May he now rest in the loving arms of our Father, richly rewarded for all of the goodness he brought to so many lives.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He was a wonderful person… hard-working, friendly, kind, and caring. I always enjoyed talking with him at S & H Pizza, at ball games, or at other area events. He worked hard to make our community a better place, and his efforts will never be forgotten. However, more than anything, he loved and adored his family. Although his passing will leave a void in your lives that will never be filled, we hope your happy memories will bring you a small measure of comfort and peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the difficult days that lie ahead…
Keith and Rosalyn (Walker) Miller
Thought and prayers for the Heller family. I loved when he would referee our basketball games. He was always fair. I fondly remember the nights at S&H pizza. Rip Mr Heller. 🙏