Herman J. Heyl

On July 23, 2019
12 Comments

Herman J. Heyl, age 84 of Ross Township, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, July 21, 2019. He was born February 13, 1935 in Pittsburgh, the son of the late Alvin and Henrietta Heyl and husband of the late Jane M. Heyl.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Herman was the president and owner of Herman J. Heyl Florist, which he founded in 1956. Known as a “floral fanatic,” Herman took great pride in personally selecting each plant and all the flowers sold at his two shops. A “hands on” floral shop owner, Herman spent time at the design table every day. Outside the flower shop, Herman was active in fundraising, educational support and flower awareness promotions. He was recognized twice with excellence awards and Readers Choice awards for Best Florist in the Northern Suburbs of Pittsburgh. He also received the national FTD Golden Rose Award, which honors service and lifelong contributions to the floral industry.

Herman is survived by his children, Joseph (Joyce), Roberta, Robert, Lisa, Brian (Monica), Beth (Lucky) Georgeou and Susanne (Tom) Moats; sisters, Mary Elizabeth (the late William) Starr, Jane (Paul) Eiben, Germaine R. (Mary) Heyl and Alvin (the late Sandra) Heyl, Jr.; 12 grandchildren, 13 nieces and nephews and several great nieces and nephews, and best friend Mary Martinelli.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday, July 27^thfrom 6-8 pm and Sunday from 2-8 pm at Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 29^that 11 am, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 1 Grove Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15236. EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with honors. Please view and sign the family’s online guestbook at PittsburghCremation.com.

12 Comments

Claudia Finnegan

Jul 23 2019

Sending love and prayers from your cousins in Tennessee. Herman was one of my first employers. He taught me a lot about floral arrangement. I was always thankful he let me work all the holidays through high school and college. Claudia Finnegan

Karen Link

My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the entire Heyl family on the passing of Herman. It was a pleasure to work for/with Hernan and his family for all the years that I did. May knowing that he is now in heaven with God our father bring you all peace and comfort at this time.

Doris an Dave Charnell. Doris.e.charnell@gmail.com. Facebook

Dave an I are sending our condolences to your family. Sending our hugs an prayers! From the Charnell family!

Cheryl Bakin

I was deeply sorrowed to receive word yesterday of Herman's passing. He was a long-time mentor and a friend. I own my own flower shop today because of influence & love of beauty that Herman and his Mother, Henrietta -- who took a chance on a green high school kid from Bethel Park. Years later, when I bought my flower shop, he was one of the very first people in our industry that I called ---- and he remembered me. When everyone else, especially my family, thought I had lost my mind, his encouragement meant the world to me......and always will. He was hands on -- always. But he taught many of us so much about flowers, techniques, and our industry! If you asked a question, and listened to his answers, he always had something of value to share. If you were trying but struggling in business, he was one of the first to ask what he could do to help you. There is a void today in the Pittsburgh flower world that will not soon be filled. He truly cared about his entire family, as well as his business. He was always juggling so many balls at once, that he often took little time to care for himself. Herman tried his best to make the world a better, prettier place for all of us to love & enjoy. Whether it involved helping a family plan a special wedding celebration, or helping families remember & honor their loved ones thru beautiful floral tributes, he took a deal of quiet pride in his work, and accomplishments of the business bearing his name. He has lived life as a father, husband, grandfather, businessman, artist & craftsman, friend, and mentor. And now, Rest in peace, my friend! Until we meet again.

Jim and Carolyn Kirk

Sue, Roberta, and the rest of the Heyl family. Please accept our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father.

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