Obituary of David F. Heithmar

David F. Heithmar, a longtime resident of Howell NJ, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, teacher and friend, passed away June 21, 2024. Born in Elizabeth, NJ to Frederick and Edwarda Heithmar, David was raised in Union NJ alongside his 7 siblings. David graduated from Seton Hall University with a BS in Education and Rutgers Graduate School of Education with a Masters of Education degree. He was dual certified in Science and Mathematics.

David took extreme pride in his career and was a teacher of Biology and Physics at Dunellen High School for ten years before beginning his career in Livingston. David was a beloved classroom teacher at Livingston High School and taught both Physics and Chemistry for thirty four years before retiring in 2014. He also coached basketball, tennis, and track and field during his time at LHS. David adored his students and colleagues and was still very close to many of them post retirement sharing lunches, letters, and many happy memories. 

David enjoyed gardening, woodworking, spending time on the beach and watching DVDs. David loved to travel with his wife Cheryl and together they got to explore Canada, Iceland, Hawaii, Scotland, Alaska, China, Thailand, Egypt, Cambodia, Vietnam and Panama which were all exciting and amazing cultural experiences. Along with Cheryl’s sons, Captain G. Bryce Watson and Mark B. Watson, Esq., they created memories to last a lifetime. David enjoyed volunteering his time at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Lakewood, NJ and was a member of the NJEA, NEA, LEA, RToLHS, MCREA and the Tuskegee Airmen McGuire Joint Base Chapter. While David had many hobbies, his true joy was spending time with those he loved, especially his five grandchildren. David loved being a grandfather and attending his grandchildren’s many activities, they were the pride and joy in his life. He spent many holidays and birthdays together with them. You could always count on Grandpa to capture memories and joy through his photos.

David was predeceased by his first wife Laura and their son David Jr. whom he dearly missed. He was also predeceased by his parents, Fred and Edwarda, and his brother Jeffrey Heithmar. David is survived by his wife Cheryl Watson, her children, G. Bryce Watson and Mark B. Watson, his siblings Debbie Manko, Chris Bolcar, Judy Salmon, Steven Heithmar, Jimmy Heithmar, Douglas Heithmar and their families. He was a beloved uncle to his nieces, nephews, and all of their children whom he loved and adored. David is also survived by his daughter Nicole Edelson, her husband Peter Edelson and his dear grandchildren Roman, Nicolas, Mia, Cole and Hunter. David was extremely blessed to have loving extended family and friends and was Grandpa Dave to so many. His letters, humor, singing, and beautiful smile will be so deeply missed.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Lakewood, NJ on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.

On Friday, June 28, 2024 at the Vatican in Rome, David will receive a special remembrance from Pope Francis.

At David’s request, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice or plant a tree or garden in his memory. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com