John Heckel

John Henry Heckel was 79 years old when he passed November 21 2010. John was born March 26 1931 in Akron. He was a lifelong resident of Ohio. The last 30 years he lived at Hope Homes in Tallmadge. He was fortunate to be able to share the home with Garfield and Floyd (recently deceased) during the majority of those years. John's family feels very blessed and is sincerely grateful for the wonderful care and love he received from the dedicated staff at Hope Homes. Garfield Floyd and the staff were a 2nd family to John and brought much joy to his life. John was extremely proud to receive his retirement plaque from Weaver Workshop. His many interests included Northeast Ohio professional sports teams the Buckeyes Lawrence Welk Shows Westerns like Bonanza and Gunsmoke and especially the Lone Ranger. He also enjoyed feeding and watching birds outside his window. When it came to his family he always looked forward to and enjoyed the holiday and birthday celebrations and gift giving as much as receiving. In recent years he took particular pride in his grand nephews Hunter Zachary and Nicholas all three of whom he adored. The family was always pleased by the many comments about John's friendliness and his big smile that would light up the room. John is survived by sister Elizabeth brothers Richard and Frank sister-in-law Jerilynn nieces and their husbands Christy and Craig Teresa and Gary and his grand nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth Heckel. In lieu of flowers memorials in John's memory may be made to Hope Homes 2300 Call Road Stow Ohio 44224. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday November 23 2010 at Hummel Funeral Home COPLEY 3475 Copley Rd. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park Akron. Family will receive friends for one hour prior to John's service from 11:00 am - 12:00 noon.