Obituary of John P. Heller

John Paul Heller, of Stony Point NY and former resident of Maybrook NY entered into the arms of Jesus while at home on January 26, 2017. John was a Fabrication and TV Production Carpenter for Black Walnut in Valley Cottage; as well as, a long time employee of Sparky's Diner. He was 33 years old. The son of the late Kenneth P. Heller, Laurie E. & late Andrew A. Murdock, he was born June 22, 1983 in Suffern, NY. He lived in the Rockland County area until 1993 and moved with his family to the Village of Maybrook where he was raised and attended the Valley Central School District. He returned to Rockland County in 2015 and has since resided in Stony Point. John was a former member of both the Maybrook VFW Post 2064, Local Union IBEW 363 and a contributing and pending member of the Local I.A.T.S.E. 645 Stage & Picture Operations. John is survived by his devoted mother, Laurie Murdock, of Maybrook; His loving fiancé, Maria Kavouras and their expectant daughter of Stony Point; Sister, Dawn Dunn, of Maybrook, former brother-in-law, Bill Dunn, of Pine Bush and their children Billy & Keara Dunn. Brother, George Heller of Palm Coast; Allen Murdock, his wife Nicole and their children Alyssa, Deanna and Andrew of Montgomery; Sister, Melanie Sherwood, her husband Billy and their children Trista, Trinity and Teaghan, of Blooming Grove; Sister, Wanda Larkin of Stony Point. Grandpa John Gannon; Aunts & Uncles Jean and John Flynn, Carol & Bobby Knapp, Mary Kehoe, Mary & Willie Heller and Leslie & Ruth Heller. Cousins including the Novak, Kehoe, Knapp, Heller, Virgilio, Moravcik, Rudolph, McDonough, Perry, Jacino & Flynn families. Countless more family and friends. John was predeceased by his Dad, Andrew Murdock and father Kenneth Heller. Johnny, as so many of his friends and family would call him truly loved life; even when it may not have always played a fair hand. He embraced nature and all that it had to offer. Those who knew him best would agree that he should have been nicknamed "Adrenaline Johnny" because he exuded thrill and adventure from his being. He loved to get lost in the world around him, hiking for hours on trails or through the mountains seeking out caves, or old buildings to explore. He loved the water whether it would be to sit by a lake skipping rocks, kayaking on the Hudson with his fiancé or spending endless hours boating with his cousin, Jeremy and brother Allen. His eyes would light up at the sight of the ocean and he relished in the sun and sand. Johnny was also a talented craftsman and artist, one of his proudest moments was being part of creating the background scenery for the 2016 Olympics. His job brought him both pride and joy. His family was what he cherished most, especially his Mom who he loved more than words could have ever expressed. When asked to be a godfather by both his sister, Dawn for her daughter and cousin Tommy for his son he took great pride in being chosen for what he believed was a great responsibility. There are so many stories of adventure, love, laughter and chaos that flood the mind when it comes to his life, his story. The most important though are the ones that we all hold etched in our minds. Sometimes, our largest contribution to this world is not what we accomplish in it but, what we are able to leave behind. Johnny has left us with the memory of his contagious smile, infectious laugh and adventurous spirit. More importantly, he left us with the greatest blessing of all; in April, when everything around us will blossom and bloom his daughter will enter this world and with her a part of him will return giving us peace, and strength to continue on. Funeral Arrangements are under the care of the T.J McGowan Sons Funeral Home 71N. Central Highway Garnerville NY 10923.The family will be receiving friends and relatives on Monday January 30th 2017 between the hours of 2pm till 4pm and 7pm till 9pm. a Funeral Mass will be held at St Peres RC Church 115 Broadway Haverstraw NY on Tuesday at 10am. immediately following the mass John will be laid to rest at St. Peters Cemetery in Haverstraw NY.