Anthony P. “Tony” (YNOT) Heitzer, 79, of Butler, PA, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025, at Butler Memorial Hospital.
The oldest of 12 children, Tony was born August 7, 1945 in Butler to the late Hubert and Betty (Sintz) Heitzer.
Tony was a graduate of Butler High School. He then went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, and returned home to work for Armco until his retirement in 2002. He married the love of his life, Shirley Devore, on November 30, 1968. Tony and Shirley enjoyed 42 years together filled with many adventures that are well documented through photographs. The two lived to ride, and enjoyed many trips together all over the country. Shirley’s departure from this world on September 18, 2010, left a hole in Tony’s soul for his remaining days. Tony was an avid beer memorabilia collector. He enjoyed being a long time member of the Beer Can Collectors of America, and always looked forward to the next beer show. Above all else, Tony truly had a heart of gold. He never once met a stranger, and wouldn’t hesitate to strike up a conversation or share a story. Tony will be greatly missed by all those that knew him.
He is survived by his only son, Eric P. Heitzer; his siblings, Martha (John) West, Rosemary Heitzer, Patty (Ed) Beck, Rita (Jim) Pritts, Emily Heitzer, Elizabeth (Jeff) Rosellini, and Michael (Joyce) Heitzer and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Shirley, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry Heitzer; his sister, Theresa Deal and also an infant brother and sister.
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 1-3 PM and 5-6:45 PM at Thompson-Miller Funeral Home, Inc., 124 E. North St., Butler, PA 16001. Full military honors will be performed at 7:00 PM at the funeral home by members of the American Legion Post 117, Post 778, and the VFW Post 249.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 20, 2025, at All Saints Parish – St. Peter Roman Catholic Church, 127 Franklin St, Butler, PA 16001, with Father John Baver officiating. All are asked to please meet at the church.
He will be laid to rest beside his wife Shirley in St. Wendelin Cemetery.
All who knew Tony are encouraged to share memories and upload photos to his unique remembrance page at www.thompson-miller.com.