John C. Heilman

John C. Heilman, 80, of Kittanning, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from ocular, then uveal melanoma, after an 18-year battle.

He was born June 3, 1945, in Kittanning, to Paul C. and Ethel (Campbell) Heilman.

He graduated from Ford City High School in 1963, and IUP in 1967.  John retired from Kiski Area School District in 1998, with 31 years as an elementary teacher.  He also had 39 years of service as a driver with Freeport Transport, retiring in 2011.

Currently, he served as a vice president of Center Valley Mutual Fire Insurance Company.  John was a partner with his brother, Mac, raising beef cattle on the family farm where he grew up.

His memberships included the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, PASR, NRA, and the Buick Club of America.

He was preceded in death by his mother in 1972 and his father in 1975.

John is survived by his loving wife of 49 years and caregiver, Diane (McLachlan) Heilman.  They were known to be inseparable in all endeavors.  For 39 years, they drove team for FTI to all 48 contiguous states and Canada.  He is also survived by two sons, Michael C. Heilman (Toni Sanich) and Rich (Sunny) Cessna; two daughters, Shani A. Heilman and Lori (Jason) Palmer; his grandchildren, Brandon, Jessicah, Logan, Zoe, Ian, Noah, Evan, Olivia, and Brock; a brother, Malcolm (Lou Ann) Heilman; a sister, Jane (Derwood) Montgomery; and niece and nephew, Lori and Doug Heilman.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate John’s life on Sunday from 2-4 p.m., at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Ave., where a service will immediately follow at 4 p.m., with Pastor Eric Damon officiating.  To share memories or condolences, please visit www.welchfh.com.

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