Paul Heetmann

Paul Heetmann, 99, of Fairfield and Highland Beach, Fla., beloved husband of the late Elsa (Goldnick) Heetmann, died peacefully at Carolton Convalescent Home, Fairfield, on April 26. He was born in Hengsen, Germany, on January 20, 1905.

Survivors include his son, Paul R. Heetmann and his wife Margaret of Sandy Hook; and his daughter, Anita Montouri and her husband John of Highland Beach, Fla. He was the beloved grandfather of Michael Montouri and his wife Susan of Fairfield, Richard Montouri of Norwalk, James Heetmann and his wife Donna of Southbury, and Elizabeth Heetmann DeSantis and her husband Christopher DeSantis of Lewisburg, Penn. Surviving great-grandchildren are Anna Heetmann and Daniel Heetmann of Southbury.

Paul Heetmann grew up in Adorf, Germany, where he learned the horticulture trade and emigrated to the United States in 1927 to become a US citizen in 1932. He worked as a gardener on various estates in Long Island and Connecticut, most recently for Richard Rodgers, the composer.

He was a member and usher at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, a member of Germania Schwaben in Bridgeport, and president of Fairfield County Horticultural Society in Westport, where he was a prize winner and judge at many flower shows in New York City and Westport. While in Florida, he served on the Town Community Appearance Board. His life’s greatest joys were family, flowers, and music.

A gardener, a man of the earth.

He stayed long, but flew away suddenly.

He took a piece from many hearts,

But will give each back one day.

See you later, after awhile…RIP.

Funeral services and interment at Oaklawn Cemetery will be private and are at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to the Spear Funeral Home in Fairfield.

The Newtown Bee        May 7, 2004