There are condolences waiting approval on Herbert's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Herbert C. Heller, Jr.
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Herbert.
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Herbert C. Heller, Jr.
Herbert C. Heller Jr., 92, passed away in White Plains hospital on Saturday, March 05, 2022 following a very short illness. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth, his sister, Mary, three daughters, Karen, Nina and Alice, grandchildren Julia, Jake and Sky, and son-in-law, Larry Childs. Throughout his life and long retirement, he was known for his supportive and warm demeanor, his lifelong love of tennis and piano playing, and his devotion to family and friends alike.
Among his professional achievements, he was affiliated with Wertheim and Co., a financial services firm in New York City, and worked in various positions for forty years. He was also manager of the equity issued to family by his father-in-law, Mortimer Lahm, founder of the retail company M. H. Lamston, Inc., until Lamston’s was sold in 1987.
Herbert C. Heller, Jr. was born to Eleanor and Herbert C. Heller, Sr. on Election Day in 1929. He was raised in Scarsdale and New York City. He graduated from Horace Mann private school in Riverdale, New York, and studied Economics at St. Lawrence University, in Canton, N.Y. Two daughters, Alice and Karen Heller, completed their undergraduate studies at St. Lawrence as well. While at St. Lawrence, he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.
Following University, he had a brief stint in the Army during the Korean War, before marrying and beginning his time on Wall Street. Herbert raised his family in the Edgemont community, and the family spent Summers on the Twin Lakes of Salisbury, CT in the Berkshires. He was also a lifelong member of Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck, New York where he learned to sail as a child. He taught canoeing as a young counsellor at Camp Androscoggin in Wayne, Maine. He later taught most of his water skills to his daughters.
Among his proudest achievements, Herb successfully championed the placement of a residential group home designed to transition adults with challenges back into the work-a-day world, in the community of Edgemont. His tireless support for the non-profit Human Development Services of Westchester, (HDSW) following this seminal achievement, included many years as Treasurer of the Board. After Edgemont House was established, he went to visit the staff and residents every Sunday morning, toting cookies and a copy of the New York Times. He became known there as “the cookie man.” A memorial Herb Heller tree is currently slated to be planted in his honor on the Edgemont House property. He also won the “Silver Box” award and had an official Westchester County “Herbert Heller Day” in recognition of his volunteer work.
In his long and incredibly healthy retirement he was an active member of “The Old Guard” an organization dedicated to helping professionals and businessmen adjust to retirement, and the ROMEO club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Friday luncheon group at Beach Point Club. Both organizations feature weekly speakers addressing topics from world events to photoshop. He also played Tennis up to three times a week with other seniors. He graduated over the years from the youngest of his revolving tennis foursome to the eldest. His late life musical focus was the life, lyrics, and works of composer and songwriter Cole Porter.
Among his personal qualities, he was enormously positive – the glass in hand was always half full. He had friendships that spanned a lifetime, and a dedication to children, and to supporting mental health professionals.
