Obituary: Jonathan B. Heller, 45, of Hamden

From Peter H Torello & Son Funeral Home

Jonathan Brian Heller, 45, of Hamden, died November 15th at CT Hospice after a brief illness. He was the husband of Cheryl (Brook) Heller. He was born in Queens, New York, son of Sharon Heller and predeceased by Lawrence Heller and a 2 year old brother, Craig Heller.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a 10-year-old daughter Gracie, a brother and sister-in-law Matthew and Kristi Heller of New Jersey, a brother Michael Heller of New York, a mother-in-law Joanne Hess of South Windsor, CT, a father-in-law Brian Brook of Middletown, CT, a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Debbie and Larry Redshaw of Coventry, CT, a niece Olivia Heller and nephews Ryan Heller, Zachary Redshaw and David Redshaw, and many close friends.

Jonathan was an alumni member of Kappa Rho fraternity and recently earned his Masters in Education Degree from Albertus Magnus College. He worked as a business education teacher at Career High School in New Haven, was the head coach of the girls volleyball team and co-coach of the girls tennis team. He was passionate about teaching and coaching, and took great pride in his students and his teams.

He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his greatest loves in life, Cheryl and Gracie. Jonathan was a devoted husband and father who coached Gracie's softball teams, guided her with homework and reading, and attended many dance recitals.

When most people think of Jonathan, they think of the Yankees and Legos. He was a lifelong Yankees fan who supported his team in good times and in bad, which was evident by his tattoo, wide assortment of Yankees T-shirts and his extensive memorabilia collection. His love for building Legos started as a child, and kept on growing. He was so happy to share that love with Gracie and his nephews.

Jonathan's love for travel took him to places like South Africa, Iceland, Ireland and Germany. After he met Cheryl, they traveled to Germany, Jamaica, and many other places, and after Gracie was born, the trips to Disney World began. He loved playing the guitar and listening to U2, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and Eric Clapton. He introduced Gracie to jazz music, which they listened to together.

One of his favorite quotes? Homer Simpson, "Mmm Doughnuts."

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