Robert F. "Bob" Heisse

Robert F. “Bob” Heisse, 90, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on December 21,2025 at his home in the care of his family and hospice. 

Bob was born September 8,1935 in Union City, New Jersey, the only son of Fred and Agnes Heisse (née Hennessey). Immediately following high school graduation, Bob joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 and served until honorably discharged in 1956. 

Bob then attended Franklin and Marshall College, earning a BA in English in 1960 via the GI Bill. Robert taught English at Pequea Valley High School for two years, then began a 27-year career with Scott Foresman & Co., traveling Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland selling school textbooks and educational supplies. 

A few years after the passing of his second wife in 2001, Bob was married to Carolyn Helm (née Kicera) on May 14, 2005. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary earlier this year. Carolyn and Bob met at the Lancaster County Assistance Office where she worked as a caseworker, and he worked for the Winter heating assistance program as one of the“Men in Heat.” His easy smile and sense of humor caught her attention, followed by her heart. 

Bob was active for almost four decades with the Willow Street Lions Club, where he served in roles such as President and Secretary and spearheaded the chapter’s annual citrus fundraiser. In 1995 he received the Lions’ highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services. 

Bob was a passionate bowler and participated in various leagues around the county. An avid reader, Bob kept lists and ratings of the novels and biographies he so enjoyed while relaxing on sunny afternoons on his deck. With Carolyn by his side, Bob toured Europe and the Mediterranean by river cruise and created a new family tradition with yearly summer rentals at Bethany Beach.  Bob was also a lifelong LA Dodgers fan, following them since they were the Brooklyn Dodgers. 

Remaining to cherish Bob’s memory are his spouse, Carolyn; children Robert Jr., Virginia, Jonathan (and spouse Patricia), and Melissa; step-children Christopher (and spouse Amy) and Jacqueline (and spouse Kurt); and seven grandchildren. Preceding Bob in death is his second wife, Bonnie Willis. They were married for over three decades. 

Funeral arrangements will be handled by DeBord Snyder Funeral Home. Bob will be laid to rest at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with Military Honors at the convenience of the family. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.DeBordSnyder.com. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to Serenity Hospice, 205 Granite Run Dr, Lancaster PA 17601 or visit www.HospiceandCommunityCare.org.