Robert Andrew Heder, Sr, 90, of Mystic, Connecticut passed away on June 10, 2024 at his home. Bob was born in Englewood, New Jersey. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Gladys Heder, his sister Joan Heder Alwan, and brother Carl Heder, Jr. Upon graduating from Gettysburg College with a degree in psychology, Bob attended and completed the Officer Training Candidate Program in Newport, Rhode Island. He was an officer in the United States Navy Omaha, Nebraska where he was assigned to the Administrative Naval Office Personnel Center. Bob has had several interesting careers. He was a probation officer with the Bergen County Probation Department. He later moved to Rochester, New York with his family and worked as a Special Agent in the Office of Naval Intelligence. He was later assigned to Groton, CT and settled in Mystic with his family. He went on to graduate with a master’s degree from the University of Rhode Island.
Bob later became a professor of psychology at the Community College of Rhode Island where he lectured for 30 years. Bob enjoyed interacting with the younger students and challenging the older returning students. He was never intimidated by the latest technology, especially as it enhanced the learning process. He retired in 2003 at the age of 69.
Bob married Judith, in 1961. Bob and Judy raised three children in Mystic. He was very proud of his children and always looked forward to family gatherings on holidays. His daughter, Catherine Heder Lamy lives in Durham N.H. with her husband, Francis Lamy. Robert Heder, Jr. lives with his wife Stacy Heder in Ledyard, CT and his younger son Patrick lives with his wife, Allison Beyer Heder in Highland Mills, New York. Bob was always delighted to see and spend time with his eight grandchildren. Kristin Lamy Antares, Jennifer Lamy, Rachel Lamy, Nicholas Lamy, Grace Lamy, Sarah Heder, Shane Heder and Miles Heder.
Bob and his family enjoyed going on trips together and traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Russia. His final overseas trip was to visit his son and daughter-in-law for a week-long tour of Shanghai, China at the age of 83. Bob and his family spent enjoyable hours hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. He was a lifelong learner, a voracious reader and lifetime subscriber to the New York Times which he read cover to cover when time permitted. His happy place was the Mystic Noank library. Bob's legacy of love, thirst for knowledge and kindness will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A graveside ceremony will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery, 197 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic on Monday June 17, at 11:00am, and a celebration of Bob's life will be at Bob and Judy's home immediately following. All family and friends are welcome to the Heder home to reminisce and celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers please contribute to a charity of your choice.
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