HAROLD L. "HAL" HEINER

Harold Louis "Hal" Heiner, Sr., age 98, of Piqua, passed away on April 13, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Hal was the devoted husband of Estelle Agnes Heiner, with whom he shared over 72 years of marriage. Estelle preceded him in death on March 14, 2022. Together, they raised six children and built a remarkable legacy.

He was the son of the late Anthony and Bertha Heiner and was preceded in death by his brother, Edward and his sisters, Mildred Zelek and Dorothy Podsiadlo Sanpetrino.

Hal proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps in World War II. He earned the “Expert” level in the Marine Corps Rifle Qualification—the highest distinction. 

Even before his military service, Hal was an accomplished athlete and a standout baseball pitcher. At age 17, he helped lead his high school team to the New York City Championship at Ebbets Field. Following this achievement, he was offered professional contracts, drawing interest from both the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. He ultimately signed with the Chicago Cubs organization.

After the war, Hal returned to professional baseball in the Florida State League, the New England League, and the Western Association. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Estelle, at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine, Florida.

He attended the University of Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering in 1953.

Hal began his professional career with General Electric, where he worked for 17 years. In 1970, he joined Copeland Corporation in Sidney. Following his retirement, he founded his own company, SoFame, and worked as a private contractor for Honda and other companies. Notably, he played a key role in site selection and construction of a new automotive plant in Ohio, helping bring significant employment opportunities to the region.

A dedicated public servant and community leader, Hal served in numerous roles, including Councilman for the City of Wickliffe, church facilities board member, Lehman High School Foundation board member, and member of both the Miami County Board of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. He was deeply committed to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Hal was a faithful member of Our Lady of Fatima Family of Parishes, attending St. Mary and St. Boniface Catholic Churches. He was a devoted weekly adorer at the St. Clare Eucharistic Chapel. In retirement, he and Estelle shared a love of travel, enjoying cruises to destinations throughout Europe, the Pacific, and the Holy Land.

He will lovingly be remembered by his 6 children, 23 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren.

Hal’s love and devotion to his family will leave an indelible mark on the hearts and lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The family extends special thanks to his neighbors, Ohio Hospice of Miami County, and Heart to Home for their compassionate care.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Veterans Elite Tribute Squad. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday at Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home, where a Rosary service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in his name to Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley. (Special Instructions = Piqua ADS). Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at jamiesonandyannucci.com

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