John "Jack" D. Heller's Obituary
JOHN D. HELLER (JACK) (Age 83)
Of Lansdowne Woods in Loudoun County, VA entered into eternal rest on Nov 16, 2016. His wife and daughters were by his side. He leaves his wife, Phylis, four daughters, Phylis (Ted) Seely of Front Royal, VA, Ann (Ray) Hollins of New Castle, VA, Gretchen (Chris) Thomas of Waynesboro, VA, and Alyson (Mario) Russo of Winchester, VA, 12 grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.
John is the son of William Day Heller and Margaret Alice Searfoss of Kingston, PA where he graduated from high school, after which he went into the US Navy for four years. After his honorable discharge, he went to King’s College in Wilkes Barre, PA where he earned a BS in Accounting. He was employed by the Government’s General Accounting Office rising from an entry-level position to Assistant Comptroller General. This included being the Editor of the International Journal of Government Auditing published quarterly in English, French, Spanish, German and Arabic. During those years he became a CPA and received numerous awards recognizing his service. Before his retirement from GAO he earned the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Government Senior Executive Service.
After his retirement he was employed by International Developers Inc. (IDI) where he was Assistant to the President. He was also very active in the Northern Virginia Builders Association where he was eventually elected president. In 1997 John retired from IDI but was asked to come back as a consultant, working part time until his complete retirement.
For nine years, John was on the Board of Directors of Hospice of Northern Virginia. He was always involved in the activities of the local Catholic Church and school. He and his wife were involved in a program called Youth Encounter, which is a retreat program for juniors and seniors in high school. He served on the Parish Councils of two different parishes.
He was also heavily involved in the Hayfield Community in Alexandria, VA. While living there he was elected to the Board of Directors of the community and the community swimming pool eventually becoming president of the Community Assn. And he also coached girls softball. Upon moving to Lansdowne Woods in Loudoun County, he was the first president of each of the condominium associations as each new building was finished.
John/Jack was well known for his devotion to family, his quick wit, and his ability to tell a good joke.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov 20, 2016, at Loudoun Funeral Chapel, 158 Catoctin Circle, SE, Leesburg, VA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 St. Francis DeSales Roman Catholic Church located at 37730 St Francis Court, Purcellville, VA 20132
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Community Ministries, 7511 Fordson Road, Alexandria, VA 22306 or SOME (So Others May Eat) 71 O Street, NW, Washington DC 20001.
Please share condolences with the family www.LoudounFuneralChapel.com.
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