Celebrating the life of
Donald Phillip Heyel
August 17, 1937 - June 26, 2016
Donald Phillip Heyel, age 78, died June 26, 2016 surrounded by his five children. He was born August 17, 1937 in White Plains, NY and spent his childhood living in New York and Maryland. For the last 44 years, he has lived on Wilmington Island in Savannah, GA. He served as a member of the United States Navy from 1955-1957 aboard the USS Basilone, whose annual reunions he often attended. He attended St. Michael’s University in Burlington Vermont, where he received his Bachelors of Arts. He was a member of St. Peter the Apostle Church, where all 5 of his children attended. He had a love of the water and was a member of the Savannah Yacht Club, teaching his children, their cousins and all of the neighborhood kids to sail and ski.
He was the President of Don Heyel & Company, a manufacturer’s representative company. Surviving are his children, Kelly Heyel, Tracy Boyd (Bobby Boyd), Leslie Marino (Larry Marino), Chris Heyel (Julie Harwell Heyel) and Amy Heyel Fernandez (William Fernandez), his grandchildren, Kathleen Myers, Megan Myers, Rebecca Boyd, Mallory Boyd, Palmer Prescott, Alex Warner, Audrey Heyel, Abigail Fernandez, Benen Fernandez, siblings Doug Heyel (Penny Heyel), Kathy Albright, Mary Jane Peebles (Robert Peebles) and numerous nieces and nephews. Don will join his beloved grandson, Phillip Houston, and his parents, Donald C. and Margaret Heyel in heaven.
The family will receive friends at a Memorial Visitation at St. Peter the Apostle Church from 4:00-6:00 p.m. immediately followed by a Memorial Mass on Thursday June 30, 2016.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made in his memory to the Saint Peter the Apostle School Scholarship Fund, Saint Vincent’s Academy or a charity of your choice.
I am sadened to hear of the loss of Mr. Heyel. Though it has been many, many years; I hold and often still think of the fond memories of all of us as young kids growing up. Your father used to always make me laugh. Please know that I am thinking of each of you and hope that in some way you all may find some peace. Perry Black
- Perry Black, Bluffton, SC
I can't thank you enough for informing me of Dons' passing since my last e-mail sent to him was June 27th. My wife and I send our deepest sympathies to all the Heyel family. Don and I spent 4 years together at St. Mike's and will always remember the all nighters we spent together playing cribbage. I was looking forward to seeing him again, after so many years, at our 50th class reunion four years ago but he was unable to make it and was looking forward perhaps to next year for our 55th. We will keep him in our prayers and may his soul rest in peace. Pat and Chris. Montesanti
- Pat. Montesanti, Dover, NH
Leslie, Kelly, Tracy, Chris and Amy: This is such sad news to learn of the passing of your Dad. I was always so fond of him, and your Mom. We share so many memories of years ago in Savannah. Please know I am thinking of each of you and share your sadness with you. Tootie Black Tortorici
- Tootie Black Tortorici, Marion, SC
To the Family of my friend, Don Heyel. I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. There are many, many fond memories of the Heyel family. It has been a long time, but I hope you all accept my most sincere condolences
- Jim Black, Boquete, Rep of Panama,
Street.
- Kerri Mullen Fletcher, Richmond, Va
Street.
- Kerri Mullen Fletcher, Richmond, Va
My thoughts and prayers are with you all- so many fond memories of your family during our 4 years across the street??.
- Kerri Mullen Fletcher, Richmond, Va
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Heyel family. Your dad was one of a kind and we will miss him stalking his boat on his driving rounds in the neighborhood. Much love to you all.
- John & Jennifer Cannady, Savannah, GA
Dear Amy & the Heyel Family, What a loving tribute to a life well lived. Celebrate his earthly life and find comfort knowing that he is now in paradise. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Wilkins Family
- Gary Wilkins, Houston, TX
My prayers and condolences for Don's family. Everyone at Albion Engineering enjoyed working with Don over these many years. He was always interesting to talk with and gave his best everyday.
- Ron Schlegel, Moorestown , NJ
I had the pleasure of working with Don through his superb representation of Albion. It seems like everyone in our industry knew Don and always asked for him. A very funny guy who shared many great jokes. He will be missed. My condolences to the family, especially Bobby Boyd who has done an admirable job at filling Don large shoes throughout Georgia and beyond. -Bob Reynolds, Albion Engineering Company.
- Bob Reynolds, Philadelphia, PA
Everyone at Albion want to express our condolences to the entire family, a large family which we all know Don was proud of. Don has been a part of Albion for decades and a friend to many here. We will miss him. Don and I had a special bond, professionally and also through the Savannah Yacht Club and sailing. He would open his door to my crew and I while we would sail the first segment of the lightning southern circuit. They were great times, the first I think he had the biggest laugh over and I am sure talked about it many times with friends. Race 2 on film we successfully hook the light beacon on the river with our stay which took our mast down which further poked a hole in our main sail. On film and every year after that race it was shown at the bar....and Don smiled. We had great times together, fond memories and it was always a pleasure having him as a part of Albion. He loved his family almost more than the chili he made for us and them. Clearly, you should be proud of Don Heyel...a real gentlemen who will be missed and worth knowing. Thank you.
- Mark C Schneider/President of Albion Engineering Company, Moorestown, NJ
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a nice man your daddy has been to all and how proud he was of all of his children. May he rest in peace.
- , ,
Sending love and prayers to your family. May the memories you have of your dad bring you peace and comfort at this time.
- Jason & Jody Buelterman and Family, Tybee Island, GA,
Thoughts are with Amy and the Heyel clan. A beautiful tribute. Fathers hold their children's hands for a while and their hearts forever. We toast to Don tonight. May he rest in peace.
- Rob & Danielle Dwyer, Denver, CO
My sincere condolences to the Heyel Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death. May fond memories of Donald linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, HA
To all of the Heyel Family: My condolences on the passing of your Dad. You all will be in my prayers.
- Nancy Manucy Lawson, Savannah , GA
Please know that we are thinking of you family during this time.
- Mark and Niki Guarino, Statesboro , Ga
Hugs and love to your special sweet family. Y'all are so lucky to be so tight and have spent so much time just hanging out. I've always loved that about your crew. Hugs and love during this time and may lots of happy and or crazy memories carry you through as you celebrate your dads life XOXOXOXOXOO
- Ellen, Cody, A, and A, Wilmington Island , GA
Amy, keeping you and your entire family and dear friends in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. What a beautifully written tribute to your dad. I know he was an amazing man. May he rest now in peace.
- Michelle Williams, Castle Rock, CO
Amy and family, my heartfelt sympathies to all who loved your dad. I know he will be dearly missed by all of you , and my thoughts are with you .
- Nancy ornduff, lexington, sc
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Heyel family in your time of loss. Mr. Heyel sounds like a very impressive man and I know he did a great job raising his daughter Amy.
- John Borne, San Diego, CA
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. You will always have your wonderful memories. Sending my love to you and your family.
- Carol and Gary, Greenbrier, Tn
Very saddened to hear this news. The "Heyel" home was my 2nd home growing up & I loved Don, "Mr Heyel" , as if he were my own Dad. Prayers lifted up today to Heaven where he rests
- Dena Farris Cyr, Braselton, Ga
To the Heyel's - so sorry to hear about Uncle Don's passing. I have so many great memories of our fun times in Savannah. Sending my love and prayers.
- Heidi Wied Bunyan, Houston, TX
So sorry for your loss!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!
- Dana Pennington Elkins, Savannah, Ga
Please accept my condolence for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. DJ
- Don Jurgens, Alpharetta, GA
So sorry for your loss!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!
- Lynn Odom, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Don was a long time friend and neighbor. We are sorry we will be unable to attend the visitation and service on Thursday as we will be out of town.
- Jerry & Linda Beets, Savannah, Ga
I Am Sorry Chris Heyel For Your Lost.
- Lissa Coleman, Savannah , Ga
Chris, Tracy, Amy, Leslie and Kelly, May fond memories of your father bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Martin
- , ,
I am sadened to hear of the loss of Mr. Heyel. Though it has been many, many years; I hold and often still think of the fond memories of all of us as young kids growing up. Your father used to always make me laugh. Please know that I am thinking of each of you and hope that in some way you all may find some peace. Perry Black
- Perry Black, Bluffton, SC
I can't thank you enough for informing me of Dons' passing since my last e-mail sent to him was June 27th. My wife and I send our deepest sympathies to all the Heyel family. Don and I spent 4 years together at St. Mike's and will always remember the all nighters we spent together playing cribbage. I was looking forward to seeing him again, after so many years, at our 50th class reunion four years ago but he was unable to make it and was looking forward perhaps to next year for our 55th. We will keep him in our prayers and may his soul rest in peace. Pat and Chris. Montesanti
- Pat. Montesanti, Dover, NH
Leslie, Kelly, Tracy, Chris and Amy: This is such sad news to learn of the passing of your Dad. I was always so fond of him, and your Mom. We share so many memories of years ago in Savannah. Please know I am thinking of each of you and share your sadness with you. Tootie Black Tortorici
- Tootie Black Tortorici, Marion, SC
To the Family of my friend, Don Heyel. I was saddened to hear of Don's passing. There are many, many fond memories of the Heyel family. It has been a long time, but I hope you all accept my most sincere condolences
- Jim Black, Boquete, Rep of Panama,
Street.
- Kerri Mullen Fletcher, Richmond, Va
Street.
- Kerri Mullen Fletcher, Richmond, Va
My thoughts and prayers are with you all- so many fond memories of your family during our 4 years across the street??.
- Kerri Mullen Fletcher, Richmond, Va
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Heyel family. Your dad was one of a kind and we will miss him stalking his boat on his driving rounds in the neighborhood. Much love to you all.
- John & Jennifer Cannady, Savannah, GA
Dear Amy & the Heyel Family, What a loving tribute to a life well lived. Celebrate his earthly life and find comfort knowing that he is now in paradise. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. The Wilkins Family
- Gary Wilkins, Houston, TX
My prayers and condolences for Don's family. Everyone at Albion Engineering enjoyed working with Don over these many years. He was always interesting to talk with and gave his best everyday.
- Ron Schlegel, Moorestown , NJ
I had the pleasure of working with Don through his superb representation of Albion. It seems like everyone in our industry knew Don and always asked for him. A very funny guy who shared many great jokes. He will be missed. My condolences to the family, especially Bobby Boyd who has done an admirable job at filling Don large shoes throughout Georgia and beyond. -Bob Reynolds, Albion Engineering Company.
- Bob Reynolds, Philadelphia, PA
Everyone at Albion want to express our condolences to the entire family, a large family which we all know Don was proud of. Don has been a part of Albion for decades and a friend to many here. We will miss him. Don and I had a special bond, professionally and also through the Savannah Yacht Club and sailing. He would open his door to my crew and I while we would sail the first segment of the lightning southern circuit. They were great times, the first I think he had the biggest laugh over and I am sure talked about it many times with friends. Race 2 on film we successfully hook the light beacon on the river with our stay which took our mast down which further poked a hole in our main sail. On film and every year after that race it was shown at the bar....and Don smiled. We had great times together, fond memories and it was always a pleasure having him as a part of Albion. He loved his family almost more than the chili he made for us and them. Clearly, you should be proud of Don Heyel...a real gentlemen who will be missed and worth knowing. Thank you.
- Mark C Schneider/President of Albion Engineering Company, Moorestown, NJ
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a nice man your daddy has been to all and how proud he was of all of his children. May he rest in peace.
- , ,
Sending love and prayers to your family. May the memories you have of your dad bring you peace and comfort at this time.
- Jason & Jody Buelterman and Family, Tybee Island, GA,
Thoughts are with Amy and the Heyel clan. A beautiful tribute. Fathers hold their children's hands for a while and their hearts forever. We toast to Don tonight. May he rest in peace.
- Rob & Danielle Dwyer, Denver, CO
My sincere condolences to the Heyel Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death. May fond memories of Donald linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come.
- Henry, Lawrenceville, HA
To all of the Heyel Family: My condolences on the passing of your Dad. You all will be in my prayers.
- Nancy Manucy Lawson, Savannah , GA
Please know that we are thinking of you family during this time.
- Mark and Niki Guarino, Statesboro , Ga
Hugs and love to your special sweet family. Y'all are so lucky to be so tight and have spent so much time just hanging out. I've always loved that about your crew. Hugs and love during this time and may lots of happy and or crazy memories carry you through as you celebrate your dads life XOXOXOXOXOO
- Ellen, Cody, A, and A, Wilmington Island , GA
Amy, keeping you and your entire family and dear friends in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. What a beautifully written tribute to your dad. I know he was an amazing man. May he rest now in peace.
- Michelle Williams, Castle Rock, CO
Amy and family, my heartfelt sympathies to all who loved your dad. I know he will be dearly missed by all of you , and my thoughts are with you .
- Nancy ornduff, lexington, sc
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Heyel family in your time of loss. Mr. Heyel sounds like a very impressive man and I know he did a great job raising his daughter Amy.
- John Borne, San Diego, CA
Leslie, I am so sorry for your loss. You will always have your wonderful memories. Sending my love to you and your family.
- Carol and Gary, Greenbrier, Tn
Very saddened to hear this news. The "Heyel" home was my 2nd home growing up & I loved Don, "Mr Heyel" , as if he were my own Dad. Prayers lifted up today to Heaven where he rests
- Dena Farris Cyr, Braselton, Ga
To the Heyel's - so sorry to hear about Uncle Don's passing. I have so many great memories of our fun times in Savannah. Sending my love and prayers.
- Heidi Wied Bunyan, Houston, TX
So sorry for your loss!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!
- Dana Pennington Elkins, Savannah, Ga
Please accept my condolence for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. DJ
- Don Jurgens, Alpharetta, GA
So sorry for your loss!!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!
- Lynn Odom, Savannah, GA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Don was a long time friend and neighbor. We are sorry we will be unable to attend the visitation and service on Thursday as we will be out of town.
- Jerry & Linda Beets, Savannah, Ga
I Am Sorry Chris Heyel For Your Lost.
- Lissa Coleman, Savannah , Ga
Chris, Tracy, Amy, Leslie and Kelly, May fond memories of your father bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Martin
- , ,
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
