HERMITAGE, Pennsylvania (MyValleyTributes) – Robert Shields Heiges of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, passed away Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the age of 81. 

Bob was born February 3, 1942 in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to Connie (Smith) Heiges and Verne Heiges. Regardless of where his life took him, his heart was always in Mercer County. 

After graduating from Youngstown State University in 1965 he married Nancy Lee Kahler from Cortland, Ohio.

A 20 year career with the Coleman Company took him to Fairport, New York with his wife and sons, Dan and Dave. Although he spent most of his time on the road he found time for family vacations, camping in the Adirondacks and Catskills, as well as fishing anywhere there was a canoe and a body of water.

After divorcing Nancy and a brief marriage to Evon Sillatto, Bob moved back to Hermitage to care for his mother who was living with Alzheimer’s Disease. Once he was “home” he quickly rekindled friendships and found many new friends at the DARE Singles Group in Youngstown. His best friend in life, even though he would never admit it, was his sister, Dorothy who cared for him in his final days with love, compassion and her unforgettable laughter. Even though Big Bob, Uncle Bob, Dad was known for his grumpiness he will be remembered for his sense of humor, gentleness and love of music.

Robert was a member of Central Christian Church in Hermitage and is survived by two sons, Dan Heiges and wife, Francine Alberts, of Boulder, Colorado and Dave Heiges of Austin, Texas; a sister, Dorothy Hricik of Hermitage and three grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 4, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at John Flynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., where a funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m., Officiant Rev. Lew Voisey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert S. Heiges, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

A television tribute will air Tuesday, February 28 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.