Howard E. Heckler

Howard Heckler, a life-long resident of Hatfield, PA died on December 16, 2024 at Grand View Hospital. Mr. Heckler was born on July 24, 1930. He was the son of George Snyder Heckler and Mary Alice Warner Heckler. He was a graduate of Hatfield High School. He attended Valley Forge Military Academy and Rutgers University.

Mr. Heckler married Elma Stine Hecker on June 27, 1953. They had 3 sons, George, Russell and Daniel.

Mr. Heckler was the long-time president of the Estate of George S. Snyder, Inc., a home center based in Hatfield, PA. He presided over a period of rapid growth for Snyders, as it was known, from the 1970s to the 1990's. During his tenure, Snyders became one of the largest single store home center operations in the United States. In 1988, Snyders won the coveted Retailer of the Year award given by the leading industry publication. Mr. Heckler retired from Snyders in 1996 and continued his many other business pursuits and charitable endeavors. He served as Mayor of the Borough of Hatfield from 1998 to 2004.

Mr. Heckler was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish and spend time at his property in the Pocono Mountains. He was an avid fan of Philadelphia sports teams and was a long time Philadelphia Eagles season ticket holder.

Mr. Heckler was preceded in death by his wife, Elma in 2001. He is survived by his 3 sons, eight grandchildren and his companion. Shirley Gregory.

A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2025 at Huff and Lakjer, Lansdale, PA. The family will receive guests from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM and the service will be held from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Burial will be private.  Arrangements are by Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, Lansdale, PA.