Dennis P. Heider

Dennis P. Heider, 73, of Lorain, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2017 at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle of 3 ½ years with cancer.

He was born September 26, 1943 in Lorain, OH and was a lifelong resident. He was a 1962 graduate of Lorain High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a Machinist Repairman 3rd Class during Vietnam. Dennis was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He retired from Republic Steel in 2002 with over 35 years of service. He was a member of Nativity B.V.M. Parish, Lorain. He was a 17-year member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 64, having served as Flotilla Commander and crew member on Station Lorain boats, receiving many citations, as well as a member of the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard both of which he was most proud of. In addition, he was a Life Member of VFW Post 1662 Amherst, AMVETS Post 47 Lorain and St. Lads Club Lorain. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 118 Amherst, the Amherst Eagles Aerie 1442, Knights of Columbus Lorain and the Lorain Rifle and Pistol Club. Loving the outdoors, Dennis hunted, trapped, fished and was an avid gun enthusiast who enjoyed fine-tuning his marksmanship by visiting the various gun clubs he belonged to.

Surviving are his wife of over 42 years, Jackie (nee Bailey); son, Bret Heider of Lorain; son-in-law, Jim (MaryBeth) Toddy of BrookPark; brothers, Jack (Jill) Heider of Sheffield Twp. and Bradley (Beth) Heider of Lorain; sisters, Marci Whitt and Janet (John) Heinzerling both of Lorain; his aunt, Alma Eastin of Vermilion; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and his greatest joy, grandson, Cole Patrick Toddy.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Meredith Heider in 2009; his father, Oscar M. Heider Sr. in 2007; his mother, Jean E. (nee Dorsey) Heider in 2002; and his brother, Oscar M. “Swabby” Heider Jr. in 1976.

The family will receive friends at Reidy-Scanlan-Giovannazzo Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2150 Broadway, Lorain (440) 244-1961 on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM. Closing prayers will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday at 9:20 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Nativity B.V.M. Parish, 418 W. 15th Street, Lorain, OH, Rev. Robert J. Glepko, Pastor, officiating. Christian burial services will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain where military honors will be performed by Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard. Memorial donations may be made in Dennis’s memory to New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053 or Cure SMA, 925 Busse Rd., Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Online condolences may be sent using www.rsgfuneralhome.com.