John W. Heller

ALTAMONT - John William Heller, 81, entered into eternal peace on Tuesday, August 16, 2011. Born and raised in Rensselaer, he was the son of the late John A. and Margaret M. Heller.
John went on to raise a family in Altamont with his loving wife of 61 years, Jane D. Heller. A graduate of CBA, he attended Paul Smith's College, and night school at HVCC and Russell Sage before becoming a Licensed Professional Engineer. John worked for the NYS DPW in the Soil Mechanics Bureau prior to a long career with the NYS Thruway Authority, from which he retired as Albany Division Engineer in 1985.
A volunteer fire fighter since 18, John was a member of various departments. He spent 49 years with the Guilderland Center Fire Department, and served as President and Fire Commissioner. In the 1960s John also served on the Guilderland Water Board.
An avid hunter, John traveled extensively hunting big game. His trips included South Africa, the Yukon and British Columbia. During his retirement, he and Jane traveled by RV from coast to coast. They took 6 trips to Alaska, where he discovered a passion for fly fishing. John also enjoyed big band music and western movies. His final years were spent on their farm in Altamont, a home he loved.
In addition to his wife Jane, John is survived by his 5 children: Susan E., John O. (Gaye), Kathleen (David) Wood, Margie (Bob) Miller and Mary Ann (Stephen) Keeler, and 7 wonderful grandchildren: Pamela (Michael) Potter, Paul Vona, Kathryn Tisaj, Elaine Miller and John A., Sara and Christopher Heller. He is also survived by his brothers: Frank (Mary) and George (Marilyn) Heller, 8 nieces and nephews and several grand nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie. A Word of Remembrance service will follow at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guilderland Center Fire Department, 30 School Road, Guilderland Center, NY 12085 (gcfd.net) or the Alzheimer's Association of NENY, Pine West Plaza, Bldg 4, Suite 405, Washington Avenue Ext., Albany, NY 12205 (alz.org/northeasternny) in John's name.