Neil Heiner III

Neil D. Heiner III, of New Rochelle, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025. He was 75 years young.

Born in the Bronx on September 6, 1949, to Neil D. Heiner, II & Edith Heiner (née Schmidt). Neil grew up in Yonkers, NY, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1967. He went on to earn a B.S. in Forestry from Syracuse University, where he also met his wife, Barbara. Their bond grew strongly, and they were blessed with over 50 joyful years of marriage having wed on September 5, 1972 (in Charleston South Carolina).

Neil proudly served his country, first in the U.S. Coast Guard (1971-77) attaining the rank of Ensign. He later continued his dedication to public service by joining the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a Special Agent, following in the footsteps of his father. A moment of great pride was when his father presented him with his FBI credentials – a family legacy passed from one generation to the next. Neil retired from the Bureau in 2004, having dedicated his life to protecting and serving others.

Outside of work, Neil embraced life with energy and passion, pouring himself into the many hobbies and interests he loved. A lifelong boater he found peace and joy on the water, a passion that took root during childhood summers at his family’s lake home in Connecticut and stayed with him throughout his life. Skilled with his hands, he built a kayak and two canoes, which he proudly used to explore the waters of Long Island Sound and the Adirondack lakes. He loved fishing, casting in the surf with Barbara off the beaches in South Carolina and later, with his family and grandchildren, fishing from his boat on the LI Sound. Always keeping active, Neil enjoyed competitive speed skating, long-distance cycling, and skiing adventures with family.

Neil’s enthusiasm for cars was another of his great joys – he could often be found at car shows and driving his beloved 1998 cherry red Mazda Miata sports car up to Lime Rock Park to watch the races. Neil was also an avid traveler, exploring the United States and visiting over 20 countries around the world.

Thanks to his many adventures, career, and wide-ranging interests, Neil had a wealth of stories to share. He was an exceptional storyteller, especially when enjoying a cold beer or a glass of wine with family and friends, which he so enjoyed and often did.

Neil’s greatest love, though, was for his family. He was a deeply loving and proud husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Barbara, his cherished daughters, Stacy Troiano (Paul) and Cyndi Heiner (Bernd Winter), and adoring grandchildren, JP Troiano, and Maya & Teo Heiner-Winter. Neil is also the dear brother of his beloved sister, Leslie Heiner. He also leaves behind a wide circle of family, friends, and former colleagues who were lucky to know him.

A Memorial Mass will be held to honor Neil’s life on Monday, July 14th, 2025 at 11am at Sts. John & Paul Roman Catholic Church, followed by a Celebration of Life from 12-4pm at Billy & Pete’s in Larchmont. All who knew Neil are warmly invited to share stories, laughter and memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Neil’s memory to one of the charities below.

Meals-on-Wheels New Rochelle (link to New Ro branch) Link to National branch

Michael J. Fox Parkinsons Disease Research (link to donation part of website)