Mr. Jerrold E. Heidel

Jerrold Edward Heidel, 81, died on August 28, 2014, at his daughter’s home in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. He passed from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease and spinal stenosis. Jerry was born in Pittsfield, MA on July 25, 1933 to the late Minnie Irene (Mendel) and Louis Jacob Heidel. A 1951 graduate from Pittsfield High School, Heidel, a talented outfielder, he played baseball in high school and on American Legion teams. He served in the US Army during the Korean conflict from1953 - 1955. He worked at General Electric for a decade, before starting his 32-year service as a U.S. letter carrier. After retiring from the US Post Office, Jerry and his wife Beverly wintered in Florida for 17 years. A kind, generous and compassionate man, Jerry graced us all with his never ending smile and his exuberance for life. His family was always his priority, but he was always ready to lend a helping hand to a co-worker, friend or stranger in need. Over the years, he had been known for rescuing numerous injured or abandoned animals, which would account for his menagerie of pets. His many activities included softball, golf, bowling and coaching Little League baseball. He was an avid reader and walker. He was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and New York Giants teams. For the past 25 years, Jerry took every opportunity to participate in his grandchildren’s activities, and sporting events. A doting grandfather, Jerry took great pride in participating and photo journaling his grandchildren’s lives. Jerry is survived by his loving wife, of 61 years, the former Beverly Ann Dorman; a daughter, Carol Pray, and her husband Scott. Three brothers; Richard Heidel and his wife Melinda, of Boca Raton, FL, Lewis Heidel and his wife Maureen of Greenville, NC, and Phillip Heidel and his wife Fran of Pittsfield. Two beloved grandchildren; Kathryn Lindsay Pray and Zachary Edward Pray of Tiverton, RI. and many nieces and nephews. Sadly, he was predeceased by two children; a son, David Richard Heidel in 1975, and a daughter, Nancy Ann Heidel in 2009. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Jerrold E. Heidel will be held on Friday morning, September 5, 2014 at 10 a.m. at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, 67 East Street, Pittsfield. Calling Hours will be held at Dwyer Funeral Home,776 North Street, Pittsfield on Thursday, September 4, 2014, from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial to immediately follow the service at Pittsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jerry to the Alzheimer’s Association, in care of Dwyer Funeral Home. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ONLINE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Jerrold E. Heidel

July 25, 1933 - August 28, 2014