William F. Heineman

William Frederick Heineman (Bill) was born on January 9, 1928 to William Joseph and Blanche Heineman in San Francisco, CA. He was their third child. The family moved to New York and the family continued to grow.

Bill attended The Catholic University of America and received his degree in Architecture. While in college he met a young woman, Vita Telesca, from Scranton, PA who was working in Washington. They married and welcomed their first child shortly after graduation. The family settled in Rockville, MD, and made many close friends in the neighborhood. The family continued to grow to include William Joseph (Bill), Paul, Michele, Mary Louise, and Karen.

They attended the Shrine of St. Jude Catholic Church and their children and some grandchildren went to school there. Later, Bill and Vita moved to Manor Lake and attended St. Patrick’s Parish in Rockville when their youngest daughter was in high school.

Bill is survived by his children, Deacon William J. Heineman (wife Terry), Paul Heineman (Marcia), Michele Anthony (late Thomas), and Karen Deming. Predeceased by his wife of 62 years Vita D. Heineman, daughter Mary Louise Needham (David) and two granddaughters.

Bill was a Grandfather of 19 and Great-Grandfather of 25.

Also surviving are his siblings, Donna Little, John Heineman, Rosemary Coralian and Jim Heineman and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by siblings Marilyn Craddock, Gloria Heineman, and Diane Bremser.

His grandchildren include Maria McLaurin, Andrew Heineman, Christina Turner (Sean), Joseph Heineman (Amanda), Joy Whitenack (Caleb), Sarah Wilson (Matt), Rachael Fuchs (Josh), Nathan Heineman (Mandie), Emily Anthony, Melissa Socci (husband Clair), Joshua Anthony (fiancée Lindsey Stout), Christopher Needham, Jennifer Lewis (Mike), Danielle Needham, Nicholas Deming, Kristin Deming and Kimberly Deming.

As his career developed, Bill decided to form his own company. His firm focused on architecture and environmental management projects under government contracts. Under one series of contracts, Bill and his team provided major support to develop Job Corps centers, from identifying sites to designing and managing the centers.

The Heineman family had roots in Montana, and Bill went on annual hunting trips in the fall with family and business associates. He also invited the next generation to join him to share in the beauty of the mountains in Montana.

In retirement, Bill was a volunteer Religious Education teacher at St. Patrick’s, Hands-On- Science at St. Jude’s school and at a special education school.

After Bill and Vita moved in 2005 to Riderwood Village independent living, they attended Mass at the Riderwood Chapel as members of the Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville. Bill led Bible Study classes and went over to the Assisted Living area to lead the Rosary after Mass.

Bill re-engaged in his passion for painting and sculpture while at Riderwood. He became a faculty member of Prince George’s Community College teaching at Riderwood. He taught drawing, painting and sculpture classes for over 10 years. He enjoyed working with others to create art projects which enhanced the lives of his students, many of whom became friends.

After his wife died in 2013, Bill continued to teach and attend Mass at Riderwood. Although he did not like to acknowledge birthdays, he enjoyed celebrating his 95th birthday with family in January, 2023. He cherished visits and phone calls with family during the last few months. He was a devout Catholic, praying the Rosary and Divine Mercy in a strong voice with family members during their visits.

Due to declining health Bill moved to Arbor Ridge Assisted Living in May, 2021. The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Arbor Ridge for the compassionate care they provided during Bill’s nearly 2 years in Assisted Living. The Montgomery Hospice team also provided assistance and support as he began his journey home to be with Our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Silver Spring, MD (details below) on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Visitation with family from 10-11 AM, with Mass at 11 AM. The Church is located on Norbeck Blvd. at the entrance to Leisure World from Norbeck Road. Interment will be private.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Church of the Resurrection (details below).

Bill and Vita and many residents at Riderwood attended Mass and received spiritual support from the priests and staff of this parish.