Robert L. Heggy's Obituary
Robert “Bob” La Vaque Heggy, age 88, passed away on July 26th, 2024 in Gainesville, FL. He was born in Milwaukee, Wis. on May 18th, 1936, to Donald and Harriet Heggy. After spending his early years in La Crosse, WI., Arlington, VA, and Chevy Chase, MD, Bob moved to Pelham Manor, NY and finished his elementary schooling at St. Catharine’s in Pelham NY. Mr. Heggy graduated from Iona Prep in New Rochelle, NY in 1954 and attended Providence College for two years where he also played basketball. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1957; voted company honor man in boot camp in Bainbridge, MD; assigned to Special Services in Washington D.C.; and later served aboard the USS Canberra (CAG-2).
Upon his discharge from active duty, and while serving on inactive duty, Bob enrolled at New York University where he completed his undergraduate and master’s degree programs. Mr. Heggy spent twenty years in the Parks and Recreation field in Pelham, NY, Oceanside, Long Island, and Miami, FL. He left his administration position with the City of Miami in 1983 and joined his wife, Linda, in their retail trophy and awards business. Bob and Linda were married in 1960 and would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this month.
Bob’s hobbies revolved around coaching, officiating, and administering youth sports, including the Howard Palmetto Baseball & Softball Associations, Optimist Basketball, Pop Warner Football, and the Sunshine State Golden Gloves. Mr. Heggy was an Eagle Scout, an Order of the Arrow recipient, member of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and a loyal fan of the University of Florida Gators.
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Linda Fitzpatrick Heggy of Gainesville, his wonderful children of two sons, John Heggy of Sanford, FL and Patrick Heggy of St. Petersburg, FL; two daughters, Karen Hay of Acworth, GA and Sharon Rice of Tampa, FL; sisters Dorothy Meagher of Wyckoff, NY, Irene Youngman of Hershey, PA and Janette Kurie of Lebanon, PA; along with six cherished grandchildren, Cameron Hay, Kayla Heggy, Jacob Hay, Benjamin Heggy, Robbie Rice, and Katelyn Rice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 23rd at 11a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 10900 SW 24th Ave., Gainesville, FL with Father Al Esposito as celebrant. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL for immediate family at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Cancer Research.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?
