Pete Heilman
April 12, 1937-April 30, 2024
Palo Alto, California

Ten months after diagnosis, Pete passed away from cancer on April 30, 2024.

Born in 1937 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Pete was the son of Robert and Ruth. Pete often recalled the warmth and kindness of his nanny Rosalee. When he was ten, Pete’s family relocated to Seattle. It was during his junior year at Roosevelt High School that Pete met Jan, the love of his life. Pete fondly remembered his adventures as a teenager working as a lifeguard at Green Lake. At age 20, he ventured to Point Barrow, Alaska to be a YMCA camp counselor, contemplating a life of service as a Presbyterian minister.

Pete studied English at the University of Washington from 1955 to 1959. His enthusiasm for, and dedication to, writing and teaching literature earned him acceptance into the Berkeley Writing Program. Pete and Jan married in 1962 and then settled in Palo Alto, welcoming their son Erich in 1967 and daughter Elizabeth in 1969.

Teaching English was Pete’s passion. He began his career at Awalt High School before moving to Gunn High School in 1963, where he served as an English teacher and later as department head. Gunn’s philosophy of maintaining the best teacher-student ratio resonated with Pete’s own teaching style, which focused on facilitating the unique evolution of each class and touching individuals through literature, thought-provoking discussions and concise writing. Pete was thoughtful; he took his craft as a teacher seriously. And, he lightened his classroom with joy and humor.

From 1981 to 1997, Pete took on the role of principal at various Palo Alto schools, including the Continuation High School (where one student commented “he was the only educator who ever showed interest in me and it changed my life”), Duveneck Elementary, and Jordan Middle School. He has had an enduring effect on his students and colleagues.

Pete often expressed that his greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. He cherished the close-knit bonds they shared, especially the friendships among his grandchildren: Isabella (20), Mateo (18), Miles (17), and Gabriel (16). Pete was a dedicated father and grandfather, always curious, listening, spectating youth sports, and preparing delicious meals for the whole crew. He and Jan delighted in accompanying their grandchildren on numerous adventures, from stroller walks, to visits to parks, then museums, aquariums, to tide pool explorations and on countless family trips to Hanalei and the Kohala Coast.

Pete’s infectious laugh, his love for theater and travel, his desire for authentic connection with others, and his culinary creations (the kitchen and serving people were his meditation) left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He led with his heart, kindness, wisdom, and wit.

Tags: teacher/educator