Robert Heck

SUTTON – Robert L. Heck, 83, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2024. He was born in Worcester, MA, the beloved son of the late Louis A. and Pearl M. (Facteau) Heck. Bob graduated from Shrewsbury High School and earned his AS in Electronic Engineering from Worcester Junior College, a BS in Industrial Technology from Northeastern University, and an MBA from Anna Maria College. 

Left to honor and remember Bob are his devoted wife of 60 years, Nancy (Cutting) Heck; his daughter Heidi G. Heck of Oxford, MA; his son, David R. Heck, and his wife, Gina of Auburn, MA; his brother, Albert, and sister-in-law Mary Lou Heck of Eastham, MA; as well as all his cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bob is predeceased by his daughter Nancy Diana Heck of Whitinsville, MA and his sister, Elizabeth (Heck) Dean of South Yarmouth, MA.

Bob retired from New England Electric System after 33 years in the role of Sr. Account Representative for Commercial & Industrial customers. He served as Secretary of the Foxborough Rotary Club for six years. Bob has always had an interest in electronics, and earned his Extra Class Amateur Radio license, W1JLA. He was working as a radio announcer for WORC when he was introduced to his future wife Nancy, who also became a ham radio operator (K1ZUU). Together, they participated in the Worcester Area Mobileers Radio Group. He was a long-standing member of both the Worcester Civil Defense Communications Group and the Central Massachusetts Amateur Radio Association, including serving as President of the latter for several terms (cmara.org). In 1985, Bob co-founded the B.S.A. Explorer Post 73 in Worcester, MA with Franny Moy (W1SPG), wherein his daughter Heidi became a charter member (N1GKU).

Bob volunteered for many years serving the Boy Scouts of America. He led Troop 143 in Sutton, MA as Scoutmaster for seven years, where he provided outdoor learning opportunities and organized extensive field trips that left lasting impressions on his scouts. Bob was exceptionally proud when his son David earned his Eagle Scout in 1987. After retiring as Scoutmaster, Bob served as Roundtable Commissioner for five years with the Hassanamisco District, was active in the Order of the Arrow where he received many awards and recognition, and spent summers volunteering at Treasure Valley Scout Reservation.

Bob was an avid outdoor enthusiast and led both hiking and canoeing trips for the Green Mountain Club and the Appalachian Mountain Club. He helped create the Mid-State Trail and maintained many local hiking trails. One of his favorite experiences was a 3-week hut-to-hut hiking trip in the Swiss and Austrian alps with his wife Nancy. 

From a young age, Bob learned piano and organ. He also kept his family entertained with German songs played on the accordion and recorder. His father Louis was a strong musical influence. Together, they formed the Ragg Mopps, specializing in big band music. With Louis on trumpet, Pearl on drums and Bob on keyboard, they enjoying playing out in various local venues.

After retirement, Bob and Nancy took up the RV lifestyle. They loved taking road trips in their Class A motorhome and seeing the country, especially the southwest. Traveling provided an opportunity to reconnect with distant friends and meet new friends through the FMCA (Family Motorcoach Assn). Bob carried his musical interest into his travels, where he played keyboard with The Frustrated Maestros.

Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Bob’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday, April 12^th from 5 to 7 p.m. with a Celebration of Life to follow at 7 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury.  Burial will be private. Donations in Bob’s honor may be made to support Treasure Valley Scout Reservation, where Bob volunteered many summers, at hnebsa.org.