Thomas James Heitert

Thomas J. Heitert died on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the Mountain Care facility in Snowflake, Navajo County, Arizona of congestive heart failure and after other long term illnesses. He was 78 years old. Tom was born in St. Louis, Missouri to his loving parents, the late William E. Heitert and Dorothy M. (Bruns) Heitert.

The family moved from St. Louis, Missouri to Tulsa, Oklahoma when Tom was 7 years old. At age 12 Tom and his family moved from Tulsa to San Diego, California. He graduated from Mount Miguel High School in 1960 and after graduation Tom joined and served in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Great Falls, Montana where he met and married Beverly in a Catholic Church.

They had 4 beautiful daughters and a son, a wonderful gift from God. Tom’s daughters and son were always considered by him to be God’s greatest gift to him. After Tom served in the Air Force he became a fireman in Havre, Montana until moving to San Diego and becoming a fire fighter at Miramar Naval Air Station and at other bases in the San Diego area.

He was well liked by others and he had a contagious smile. Tom loved to sing and he used to enjoy karaoke. He also enjoyed fishing. Although Tom’s children didn’t live close to him most of the time, he was so proud of them and they were never far from his heart, thoughts and prayers.

Tom was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Desiree; his parents and older brother, William E. Heitert, Jr.

He is survived by his 3 daughters, Darlene, Starla, Tharon; his son, Scot; sisters, Sally Martinell (Mike), Jane Bradford and 5 grandchildren; Tom was an uncle to 7 nieces and nephews and all their children.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated by Father Bill Day at the St. Mary of The Angels Catholic Church 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 4, 2020. After the mass concluding services will be held at the St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church columbarium in Pinetop, Arizona.

Tom’s sisters Jane and Sally are thankful for the kind expressions of sympathy they have received during this difficult time and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up in their behalf.