College Fund Set Up For Daughter Of PSE&G Employee, Councilman Killed In Somerset

SOMERSET, NJ — Funeral arrangements have been set for Milford Councilman Russell Heller and a college fund has been created for his daughter.

Heller, 51, of Milford, was actively employed with PSE&G at the Somerset facility and was also a Republican Councilman for Milford Borough (Hunterdon County). He was fatally shot on Feb. 8 by a former employee of PSE&G, Gary T. Curtis, 58, of Washington, said authorities. Read More: Murder-Suicide Motive Revealed In Somerset PSE&G Shooting

Curtis fatally shot his supervisor, Heller, due to "prior employment disciplinary actions between subordinate and supervisor," according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.

Following his death, Heller's sister Patty (Heller) Palazzo began a GoFundMe to raise funds for her niece, Kayla Heller's college expenses.

"My brother Russ loved and cherished his precious daughter, Kayla beyond anything else. He lost his life in a senseless act involving gun violence. Russ had made plans for his daughter to attend his beloved DeSales University in Center Valley, PA and she is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2023," said Palazzo.

The GoFundMe is set up to help Heller's daughter with tuition and other college expenses.

"So many people loved my brother, Russ. Everyone saw him as their best friend. He was a one-of-a-kind Dad, Son, Brother and Friend! We loved him beyond measure! Thank you for your kindness in helping Kayla with her future college expenses!" wrote Palazzo.

As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised more than $23,000 out of the $50,000 goal.

Visitation for Heller will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Walton Funeral Home (24 Church Rd, Milford). A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 11 a.m. at the same location.

Heller is survived by: his daughter Kayla R. Heller of Milford; his parents, Robert W. Heller and Carole A. Heller (Naylor) of Milford; his siblings, Michael Clark, Robert Heller, Jr. (Vicky Stettler), Alexander Heller, Ashley McCarren (Chip Hoffecker), Patricia Palazzo (Richard) and Susan H. Kelson (Mark); and his former wife Terri Heller. He is also survived by nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Russell's memory to a GoFundMe for his daughter Kayla's college education at gofund.me.

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