Obituary of Robert A. Heitzman, Sr.

Robert A. Heitzman, Sr., 88, of Howell was called home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 2, 2025.  He was born in Hoboken and attended the New Jersey School for the Deaf in Trenton where he met lifelong friends who became family.  Robert later met Janet who instantly fell in love with ‘ol blue eyes and married in 1970, raising their family in Secaucus before retiring in Howell for the last 20 years.

Robert worked for over 20 years for Parcel Delivery Service in Kearny as a Forklift Operator. During his retirement, he was an active member of the Diverse Deaf Club of New Jersey Inc. and the Ocean County Deaf Senior Citizens Club, Inc where he also served as Treasurer for several years. He was a dedicated parishioner of the Ocean County Baptist Church where he had many friendships.  Robert loved playing bingo and cards with friends and never missed an opportunity for a party or prank.  He enjoyed collecting coins, watching sports, especially college football, and was a lifelong disappointed NY Giants fan.  In his younger years, Robert loved riding his Harley and causing some mischief along the way. 

Robert’s charismatic personality, big welcoming smile and sparkling mischievous blue eyes made instant connections with everyone he met, overcoming any communication challenges, and often leaving a lifelong memorable impression. He lived his life to the fullest and never let any obstacles keep him down or take away his zest for life.  Above all, Robert was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Janet Heitzman; parents, Henry and Charlotte Heitzman; brothers, Henry and Harold; and sisters, Audrey and Dorothy. Robert is survived by his children, Jeannine Romano and her husband, Frank of Howell, and Robert Heitzman and his wife, Vivian of Texas; and grandchildren, Megan Heitzman, Ryan Heitzman, and Emily Romano.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Robert’s life for a visitation on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township and an 11:00 AM funeral service at the Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 8, 2025. Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, 169 West Main Street, Freehold. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ocean County Deaf Senior Citizens Club, Inc., 12 Harvey Cedar Way, Waretown, NJ 08758. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com