OBITUARY: Dr. Frederick Thomas Heller, 78

Dr. Frederick Thomas Heller was born on June 14, 1945 in Kearney, New Jersey. He spent most of his childhood in Ohio and followed his dream of attending Ohio State University.

Dr. Heller attained the highest levels of education and experience in his field as he graduated with a Doctorate of Optometry in 1970, joined the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Otis Air Force Base in Cape Cod.

Soon after he earned his Fellowship and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (F.A.A.O.) continuing his passion and experience in the profession of Optometry.

Dr. Heller and his Optometry practice were well known and loved for 40 years here in Wilmington and the surrounding communities. His staff and patients through the decades observed his dedication, care and compassion as well as his continued advancement of knowledge in the field of eye care.

Dr. Heller was well known for visiting patients at their home for care if they were too sick or immobile to come to the office, keeping up with news and events taking place in his patients’ lives and most important always delivering impeccable eye care and prescriptions that kept families coming back to him for generations. He truly dedicated his life to caring for his patients.

He married Karin Mehas in 1967 and together they had two children. As a loving father, he enjoyed the thrill of NASCAR with his son, Scott, as well as exploring “the final frontier” through science and Star Trek with his daughter, Paige.

Fred has a passion for skiing that did not keep him off the slopes even in -20F weather. He also looked forward to annual family beach vacations, spending hours body surfing and catching up with distant relatives.

After retirement, he found the church and his soulmate Cheryl, devoting his time to charity, mission and social justice work. When not engaging in political discussions, he spent his time learning ballroom dancing and golfing in The Villages, Florida.

He was well known to maintain his interest in all his patient’s lives and events, often corresponding with previous patients as well as inquiring about their health and well-being.

In 2022, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, falling in love with the beauty of the southwest and feeling instantly welcomed into the community of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. Fred and Cheryl traveled the world seeking knowledge of new and different cultures, visiting Turkey, China, Tibet, Greece, Italy and Israel.

Although they had may plans for the future, our beloved Dr. Frederick Heller sadly passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Aug. 8, 2023. His lighthearted character and his sincere devotion to eye care and wellness will be dearly missed by all.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of Life of the Fred Heller took place on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 5301 Ponderosa Avenue NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico.