Richard L (Dick) Heilman, a long-time resident of both Denville, NJ and Southern Pines, NC, and husband of the late Dorothy (Feather) Heilman, passed away on December 1, 2017 at the age of 93.
Son of Samuel D and Clara Heilman of Lebanon, PA., he was a graduate of Lebanon HS class of 1943.
Graduating from Lehigh University with a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering, Dick was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Among his professional achievements are work on the rocket engines for the Surveyor Soft-Landing Lunar Spacecraft and X-15 Spacecraft; solenoid valves for both the commercial and nuclear industries; and the initial development of in-flight motion pictures on commercial airlines.
An avid golfer, Dick remained active for many years in his community with the Boy Scouts of America and The Church of the Saviour of Denville, NJ. As a piano-playing member of the original Lebanon HS concert and dance band, The Swingsters under Les Saunders, Dick also entertained at a number of elder-care facilities and local community events.
He is survived by his brother John of Covington, GA; by daughter Kathleen and son-in-law Richard Broughton of Charlbury, UK; daughter Jane of Hillsborough, NC; and son Richard, Jr and daughter-in-law Carole Heilman of Rockville, MD; along with 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren who will always miss his wit and warm, gentle smile.
Services will be private for the family.
Memorials may be made to FirstHealth Hospice, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Boles Funeral Home is serving the family.
Mr. Heilman’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at Sandhills Sentinel.
