Rudolph (Rudy) L Heitler, a resident of St Petersburg, Fl passed away on 3/10/23 at the age of 89. Rudy was born in Belize, British Honduras. He, his parents and sisters moved to New Orleans, La when he was 9.
He attended Louisiana State University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduation he served in the United States Army Corps of Engineers as 1st Lieutenant. His professional career began in Baton Rouge, La where he ultimately founded the Delta Companies.
He and his wife Doris retired to St Petersburg Florida to be near the Gulf for his love of the water and walking the beach to the “Hurricane” with sand between his toes.
A devoted husband and family man, he loved his wife, children and grandchildren above all else.
Thank you lord for a beautiful life!
To all the Heitler Family,
Rudy was a real maverick and wonderful friend to all. His love for Doris and his family was expressed each and
everytime I was priviledged to be in his company. One of my fondest memories is of him and his beloved wife, Doris,
romantically dancing in the Commodores Room after dinner. Expressions and body language say it all. To Pam and Cay,
dearly loved you so much. Your dancing and singing at GiGi’s will be well remembered. He is at Peace and will
always be in our hearts and prayers. RIP Rudy.
Rudy loved the view of the bayou and his sweetheart, Doris! He was an amazingly generous neighbor who freely shared his time, interesting life stories and armfuls of sweet mangoes from his precious tree. Every time we eat a mango, we’ll think of Rudy!
Truly a life worthy of celebrating! Being with Rudy and his family was always an interesting adventure. I am so grateful to have shared in a small part of his adventures. Rudy was a wonderful mentor and had a profound impact on my life. The memories of the projects we worked on, the travels we shared together, the great parties at his home with his family, and his zest for life will always be with me. Go with God, dear friend.
Daddy,
What can I say? You were the best father one could ever have or ask for.Thank you for all your love and showing us the definition of unconditional love.
You will always be in my hearty & sorely missed. I am forever Blessed to have had you in my life.
Your loving daughter
Pamela Dell
Why do we so often think time has stopped, and those we cherish most will always be there, when we get around to visiting again. I was more than honored to work with Rudy and love both him and you Doris, full heart. RIP Dear Rudy, dear amazing, happy, spirited man. I want to see you Doris, soon as you can. love, joan
I used to be in a small mens’ group with Rudi meeting every month to discuss whatever topics came up. We had somewhat of a balance between so-called liberals and conservatives. Paul Boudreau, a liberal, invited me to join the group to help him in defense against Rudi and others. So Rudi and I did not always see eye to eye on various political and social issues. But I always enjoyed talking with Rudi, we were always civil with one another, and we enjoyed the debate and the humor which is always present in human affairs. I haven’t seen Rudi in several years, at least since Rosemary and I moved from St. Pete to Honolulu 3 years ago. Rudi, I hope you parted us peacefully, as we all wish for in this fleeting moment we have before we are taken away, and I salute your memory as a hail fellow well met.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My 1st cousin will be missed.
Rudy Heitler; a wonderful man wanting more for others than himself, so full of inspiration & desire to help others succeed.
With all of our love,
The Lawson Family
A great friend to share ideas, thoughts and a glass or two of wine. Rudy, we will miss you
A great guy and and a good friend.
Rudy became a good friend shortly after we moved to St. Petersburg. We really enjoyed meeting him and Doris, especially since they were from Louisiana. I enjoyed playing poker with Rudy and the gang and also enjoyed our regular Discussion Group get-togethers, despite our political differences. He was a really great guy.
Paul
When I met Doris at Westminster Suncoast a few months ago, we were hopeful that they might be moving here and would be our neighbors. So sorry that this just didn’t turn out to be the case, but we can understand Rudy not wanting to leave their lovely home. May he rest in peace, and may Doris be consoled.
Barri
We’ve always held Rudy in the highest regard. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. The family will cherish all the wonderful memories they had with him. RIP Rudy, you will be missed.
I remember Rudy giving me the opportunity to work at Delta on some developments. We had a great time at work, and on the tennis courts. Doris I think you will remember the special times we had as SOP‘s. The infectious smile was good to see one last time.
Love to everyone.
When I arrived at LSU in the Fall of 1951, the first person I met was my newly-assigned roommate, Rudy Heitler. He was very smart, funny, energetic, irreverent in a kindly way, and we got along famously from the start. We’ve maintained that connection for the ensuing 71+ years. Rudy, his family and his precious life’s companion, Doris, taught me about old New Orleans, how to ride street cars and Mardi Gras floats and, most important, what deep friendship is all about. Later, they were there for us when my young wife struggled with terminal cancer. And over the years, Rudy continued to conduct the exemplary life and build the deep bonds that his friends and relatives will miss so much. A finer guy I’ve never known and, wherever he is, I’m sure he’s in good hands. My sympathy and love go out to his family and all who knew and adored Rudy Heitler. So long, buddy. Larry Perkins
Dear Doris and Family,
You have been gone so long, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be. It may have been late-1969 or early-1970. Rudy and I became friends in a building project, a partnership called St. Tammany Building right behind the Government Street branch of Capitol One Bank (formerly Fidelity Bank). In fact, we occupied the building together.
Then, my needs outgrew the space and Rudy built another building for me in 1979, which we called The Corner Square, because it was on the corner of Chevelle and Colonial Drives. It was 2 stories and square. Both buildings are still functioning. The only work we did, post-construction, was cosmetic; painting, plumbing/AC, carpeting, and minor carpentry. Rudy did a great job! I have thought of you and Rudy often, as I wandered in and out of the building and on many special occasions.
The social life was in between the construction of the first building and the date you moved to Florida. We did so many things together. There was tennis, dance club, and everyday activities. We number you and Rudy among our close friends and we will never forget you all! Regards and love to all the family, Jim and Genny
Enjoyed playing tennis with Rudy,and most recently I attended the Discussion Groups run by Rudy—-he was opinionated but always the smartest guy in the room.
To Doris and the entire Heitler Family,
We enjoyed time with Rudy and the love of his life(Doris)whether it was a few glasses of wine at home or a meal out.
Rudy’s generosity and kindness was always on full display.
He was never at a loss for giving an opinion on any subject!
I miss him at the card table but he remains in my thoughts with each mango I eat and every pushup I do.
A life well lived.
Charlie Smith
Pam,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet daddy. You were blessed to have him with you for so long! I pray that all the memories you have of him will fill the hole this leaves in your heart!
xoxoo
Rosaline
Rudy if only time would stand still… At least for the ones that have known and loved you but have been separated by distance . I guess loving and knowing all your family.. there were times Jeff and I felt like part of your family… We have always thought that anytime any of your family was around… they were OUR family… but it’s like I said distance has made our visits less frequent… ( also the years of living takes its own toll over all of us!)
You had always loved traveling with Doris and often taking all your Children and grandchildren.. Jeff and I too like to travel( me more) … it was the best… meeting up with you and Doris , my bestie Pam! Newyears were spent for several ocassions… just you loving your family… I hate that Much time kept Jeff and I away from you.. but it wasn’t a day that my family didn’t think of what’s going on with you Rudy, Doris, And the rest of Heitler clan! I know that you had to know everything that was going on,as you were the Patriach and the leader ! You are truly loved and will be greatly missed❤️‼️ Doris has been your soulmate and has done everything in her power to make your life shine and with that everyone will agree she is did very Well.. Very well indeed❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏