Joseph J. Joe Heiler, age 60 of 33 North Mayfield Street, Shenandoah passed away peacefully Saturday evening at Schuylkill Medical Center " East Norwegian Street, Pottsville after a lengthy illness with family at his side.

Born at the former Ashland State Hospital on February 15, 1952 he was a son of the late Thomas and Josephine M. (Wardigo) Heiler.

He was a 1969 graduate of the former J.W. Cooper High School, Shenandoah.

Joe was a US Navy Veteran having served during the Vietnam era.

He worked as a purchasing agent for the Allentown Housing Authority and later for the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in Harrisburg.

Joe was a member of St. Georges Church and the Phoenix Fire Company both of Shenandoah. In earlier years, he was a member of Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah.

He was an avid sports fan and fervently rooted for his favorite teams, the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Phillies. He enjoyed rock music and attended many rock concerts. However, his favorite time was spent with his grandson, his best buddy Zach .

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents was a brother, Walter Heiler.

Surviving are his wife, the former Bonnie M. Examitas to whom he was married forty years; a daughter, Heather Heiler of Drums; a grandson, Zachary Joseph Baran; two brothers, Thomas Heiler and his wife JoAnn of West Lawn and Michael Heiler and his wife Mary of Ringtown; two sisters, Mary Davidson of Shenandoah and Josephine Cookie Lipshaw and her husband John of Frackville; nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday at 9:30 AM from Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, 132 S. Jardin St., Shenandoah. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah. Rev. Msgr. Ronald C. Bocian, Pastor will officiate. Interment with military honors will follow in Annunciation BVM Cemetery, Shenandoah Heights.

Friends may call Wednesday at the funeral home from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Thursday from 8:30 AM until the time of service.

Walukiewicz-Oravitz Fell Funeral Home, Shenandoah is in charge of the arrangements.