Donald A. Heaberlin

Donald A. Heaberlin, 92, of Rockford, passed away January 17, 2019 at Wesley Willows. Born January 7, 1927 in Rockford, the son of Alvin E. & Gladys L. (Black) Heaberlin. Graduated West High School. He served in the US Navy during WWII. Married Janet E. Bacon in Rockford on December 22, 1950. He was on the Rockford Fire Department for 27 years, retiring in 1979 as the Deputy Chief. After retiring Don and Janet moved to Florida.
Don was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and Tebala Shriners for many years. He enjoyed golfing, crossword puzzles, and supporting his favorite Chicago sports teams, the Bears, Blackhawks and White Sox.
Survivors include wife, Janet; children, Don (Cinda) Heaberlin, Dennis Heaberlin, Debbie (Tom) Sink, and Denise (Rick) Tassoni; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Predeceased by parents; son, Gary Lynn; and sister.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Mercy Hospice and to Wesley Willows for all their care and support.
The family will receive guests from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2019, followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. In lieu of flowers please give memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in his name. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory – Riverside Chapel. Send online condolence at www.Fitzgeraldfh.com.