William Francis Heinz

William “Bill” Francis Heinz, 88, passed away peacefully in York, Pennsylvania on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. He was the husband of Pauline Helen (Siira) Heinz.

Bill was born November 8, 1932 in Manistique, Michigan, son of the late Michael Heinz and Gladys (Goetz) Heinz.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by son and daughter-in-law, John W. Heinz and Patricia of Pine Haven, WY; daughter and son-in-law Jo E. (Heinz) Harding and Charles S. (Chuck) of Upper Marlboro, MD; daughter and son-in-law Nancy A. Heinz-Lucas and Gary Lucas of Rock City Falls, NY. He was predeceased by his son Gordon Michael Heinz.

Also survived by three grandchildren: Tasha Heinz of Fort Worth, TX; Michelle (Phillip) Gonzales of Godley, TX; Cecilia Tapley of Oklahoma City, OK. Five great grandchildren: Casey, Chloe and Cadence of Godley TX; Caleb and Olivia of Oklahoma City, OK.

In 1951, Bill graduated from Newberry High School in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He was in the National Honor Society, played football for the Newberry Indians and ran track. A newspaper clipping stated “Bill Heinz ace senior broad jumper, high jumper and pole vaulter, was voted the most valuable player award by teammates.”

He received a football scholarship and played his first year of college at the Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) in Houghton graduating in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.  He was in the Michigan Tech Radio Club.  While in college he spent summers working on Lake Superior ore boats.

Bill received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1971 from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Electromagnetic research and theory was his field of expertise.

Bill worked at Westinghouse, Baltimore, MD from 1955-1965, as an engineer in the radar manufacturing division encompassing design element stages all the way to completion. His fieldwork as a troubleshooter for radars took him aboard ships, including destroyers and aircraft carriers. His work for Westinghouse took him to foreign countries including Germany, Belgium, the Virgin Islands et al, as well as regions within the US as far as California.

In 1965 he worked at ECAC (Electromagnetic Compatibility Analysis Center) in Annapolis. A think tank for government defense weaponry, Bill gave briefings to colonels on cutting edge defense technology; worked on stealth and windshear technology; and collaborated on research and development of drone technology.

After moving to Bowie, MD in 1962, Bill and Pauline attended Trinity Lutheran Church (now First Lutheran) first in Old Bowie later relocated to Rt. 197, Bowie, MD. They made lasting friendships at the church which continued through the years.

Bill, a ham radio operator, used the radio that he built himself. He also built many computers for himself and his family. He was a lover of music, and introduced his family to wide-ranging styles from classical to folk.

Owning a boat, he enjoyed fishing, trotline crabbing and water skiing. He was a scuba diver, and dove for oysters in the Chesapeake Bay, and lobsters in Cape Cod, MA. Bill enjoyed other outdoor activities such as hunting, camping, ice skating and snow skiing.

He was a lover of food and would be considered a “foodie” by today’s standards. He had a diverse palate and was willing to try what many would consider the most exotic of flavors.

Ever the explorer and adventurer, he extended this love to his family by taking them to historic, cultural and national park sites. Bill was captivated by air, land and sea transports and took his family for tours on military ships, submarines, and airplanes.

Bill could never resist an opportunity to make puns. He always had to make a pun out of any situation.

After retiring, Bill and Pauline moved from Bowie, MD to York, PA in 2000. They made monthly treks to MD so he could lunch with retired colleagues from ECAC, who called themselves the “Royal & Ancient Learned Order of GEEZERS.”

Bill and Pauline enjoyed being “Winter Texans” and set up residence for three months in Port Aransas, TX for 16 years straight. There together with children, grand children and great grands they would gather.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 2580 Mt. Rose Ave., York, PA 17402 in memory of William Francis Heinz.