Robert J. Heaman

Bob Heaman, 82, of White Haven, PA, passed away on October 17, 2024. Born on March 30, 1942, in Detroit, MI, Bob was the fourth of seven siblings--Joan (Hasselbach), Bill, Barbara (Porter), Rick, Jim, and Beth (Giroux)--born to Mary Mullen and Robert Heaman. Bob’s bond with his siblings remained strong throughout his life.

Bob graduated from St. Mary’s of Redford High School in Detroit, and went on to earn his degree in English from the University of Detroit. There, he met Patricia Friel--the two married in 1964, and had a daughter, Catherine.  

Bob earned his master’s and PhD at the University of Michigan, and joined the English Department at Wilkes College, where he taught until his retirement (he specialized in Victorian novels, particularly the works of Charles Dickens). Bob would go on to serve on the 1983 Presidential Search Committee, and as Assistant to the President, Acting Vice President of Academic affairs, and Dean of Arts & Sciences. Today, it’s hard to walk around Wilkes-Barre without bumping into a former student.

In the summer of 1972, Bob married Patricia Boyle, who also taught English at Wilkes. Together they raised another daughter, Maggie. Their home in White Haven immediately became a refuge during the Hurricane Agnes flood for Patricia’s mother, six sisters, and niece. Later, it was the setting for numerous family gatherings, student events, weddings, and holiday celebrations.

One of the most cherished times of Bob’s life was when he, Patricia, Maggie, and Catherine lived in Dublin, Ireland in 1977. They explored many castles, pubs, and literary landmarks of Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, and retraced the footsteps of Charles Dickens, James Joyce, and other literary giants.

Bob enjoyed traveling with his family, fishing with his friends, and leading student trips to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario. He loved to listen to Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and The News from Lake Wobegon. Bob and Patricia took great pride in their garden, growing their own vegetables and flowers. Each Christmas Eve, they celebrated with up to 40 family members at their home.

In retirement, Bob became the Secretary-Treasurer of the Dickens Society. He enjoyed breakfasts with close friends, debating sports, politics, and their favorite books.

Bob will be remembered for his unforgettable smile, warmth, loyalty, commitment to social justice, and sharp sense of humor.

He is survived by sister Joan Hasselbach, brother Rick Heaman, daughter Catherine Heaman, son-in-law Eric Weaver, daughter Maggie Heaman, son-in-law Joe Francis, grandsons, Luke, Mark, and Nash Weaver, and many brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 10 AM in the Church of Saint Patrick, 411 Alleghany Street in White Haven. A celebration of life will follow at the Heaman family home at 35 Port Jenkins Road (also known as Old Ice Lake Road) in White Haven.

For those wishing to honor Bob’s memory, the family suggests contributions to the Patricia Boyle and Robert J Heaman Scholarship which is awarded to junior or senior student majoring in English with a literature concentration. To contribute, go to the link below and enter “Heaman” in the “Make your Selection” field to designate your donation. https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/44650/donations

Share memories and condolences with Bob’s family at mjmclaughlin.com