Donald Heintz, Navy veteran founded distribution firm

Heintz

Donald Heintz, 87, of Williamsville, died Thursday, April 10, 2008, at his home.

Mr. Heintz started in sales and distribution as a manufacturer's representative for housewares and hardware and then began his own company, Nelson Heintz Associates, in 1953. He later moved the company to Williamsville as Nelson Heintz Shookus. He retired in 1985.

Born in Buffalo, he was a 1936 graduate of Seneca Vocational High School and graduated from Indianapolis Normal College in 1939 and from Northwestern University in 1942.

Mr. Heintz served in the Navy during World War II on convoy duty, making 26 crossings to Europe. He attained the rank of lieutenant.

Mr. Heintz was a member of Troop I Post 665, American Legion, and a commandant in the Navy League.

He also was a past president of the New York State Housewares Club and a member of the Buffalo Athletic Club, the Buffalo Gyro Club, Parish Lodge 292, Free and Accepted Masons, and Christ United Methodist Church.

An avid golfer, he was a board member of Park Country Club and a member of Moss Creek Golf Club in Hilton Head, S.C.

Mr. Heintz was predeceased by his first wife, Doris White, in 1997.

He is survived by his second wife, Mary Louise; son, Dale; and daughter, Donna.

Services were held Monday, April 14 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.