Raymond X. Heller

Raymond X. Heller, 98, of Cuyahoga Falls passed away June 27, 2023 at Bath Creek Estates.  Our family is so appreciative to the nurses, aides and therapists for their compassion and support.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Ray was a lifelong resident of the area.  He graduated from Hower Vocational High School.  After graduation, Ray immediately started work at Excelsior Marking Products.  Ray met his wife, Rita, before he departed for military service.  Ray was inducted into the army on March 17, 1943.  Ray was informed that from the results of his aptitude test, he could be a candidate for officer training.  He declined and decided on the medic path.  Ray was assigned to the 778 anti-aircraft battalion.  On December 12th, their battalion was assigned to General Patton's Third Army.  They crossed the channel on December 15th, landing in Rouen, France.  They crossed France heading for Belgium where they fought in the Battle of the Bulge at Bastogne, December 27-31, 1944.  Ray was awarded the bronze star in this battle.  At this time, he was a staff sargent, in charge of the medics.  He was able to return home on January 26, 1946.

Upon Ray's return, he was able to marry Rita in August of 1946.  Before Rita's passingIn September of 2019, the loving couple celebrated 73 years of marriage.

Ray and Rita were founding members of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.  Their love for the Catholic faith and church provided for Ray's volunteer services including coaching Little League for 10 years, basketball for 4 years and being Athletic Director for 5 years.  

After the war, Ray returned to his job at Excelsior and worked his way from production to sales to finally the President of the company.  He then started his own company and worked full-time until he was 92 years old.

Ray's roles of husband, father and grandfather were of utmost importance and the focus of his life.  Ray's legacy to his children and grandchildren were the importance of faith, commitment to family and education.

Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita; his parents, Carl and Florence Heller; and his brothers, Carl and Norman; and his sister, Regina.

Ray is survived by his children, Diane (John) Fabre; Daniel (Sandy) Heller; Thomas (Julie) Heller; Nancy (Larry) Hilton; Kathy Heller; and Steven (Kristan) Heller.  Ray leaves  behind the following grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Megan, Molly, Davis, Susanna, Adam, Anne, Aaron, Rachael, Alyssa, Lauren and Michael; and 20 great-grandchildren.

If interested, please make donations to the Father McIntyre Tuition Assistance Fund at Immaculate Heart of Mary,1905 Portage Trail Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond X. Heller, please visit our floral store.