Robert Pender Heldt

Dr. Robert Pender Heldt of Littleton, CO passed into everlasting life on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at the age of 86.

Dr. Heldt is predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Bellais Heldt, his grandson Sixtus Anselmi, and his wonderful parents, Kenneth and Eileen Heldt.

Dr. Heldt is survived by his children Julie Donnelly, Steven Heldt, Laura Anselmi, Daniel Heldt, Theresa Heldt and Christa Rivera; his sons-in-law Kevin Donnelly, Edwin Anselmi, David Rivera; his daughter-in-law Fiona Heldt and his sixteen grandchildren David Rivera II, Israel Rivera, Lucy Rivera, Anna Rivera, Ester Rivera, Daniela Perez, Grace Perez, Katie Heldt, Sophia Heldt, Leo Anselmi, Gemma Anselmi, Linus Anselmi, Celine Anselmi, Agatha Anselmi, Samantha Donnelly and Sebastian Donnelly.

Dr. Heldt is lovingly remembered by his brother and sister-in-law William and Florence Heldt of Watertown, NY; his sister and brother-in-law Donna and Lee Combs of Watertown, NY; his loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, in-laws, neighbors, fellow parishioners, colleagues, US Veterans and patients whom Dr. Heldt skillfully and lovingly cared for from 1959-2016.

Dr. Heldt was born in Watertown, NY on April 17, 1932 in the depth of the Great Depression. Graduating from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1949, Dr. Heldt went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry and microbiology in 1954 and a medical degree in 1959 both from Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. While studying at Queens, Dr. Heldt was a disc jockey at the college radio station and big band musician.

In his last year of medical school, Dr. Heldt joined the US Navy and upon earning his medical degree, Dr. Heldt completed his surgical internship in the US Navy. Dr. Heldt patriotically and dutifully served as a US Navy Medical Officer, caring for Sailors and Marines, throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US during the Vietnam era from 1959-1968. While serving as a Naval Surgeon in Japan, Dr. Heldt met and married a fellow Medical Naval officer, the late Patricia Bellais Heldt, a registered Dietitian, Diabetes Counselor and Vietnam Veteran of the US Marines and US Navy 1961-1967.

After the end of his Naval service, Dr. Heldt completed his residency in Urology at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY from 1969 through 1973. After his residency, Dr. Heldt opened a private practice and practiced medicine in Watertown, NY from 1973-1994. Dr. Heldt finished his 57 year medical career at the Veteran Affairs Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, LA where Dr. Heldt served and cared for thousands of US Veterans from 1994 until his retirement in 2016.

Dr. Heldt was a parishioner at Holy Family and Sacred Heart Churches in Watertown, NY, St. Rita, Prompt Succor and the VA Chapel in Alexandria, LA and All Souls Church in Littleton, CO. Dr. Heldt enjoyed laughter, comedy, jazz music, poetry, studying history, astronomy, his red ties, reading, researching, daily mass, daily rosaries, learning new things, making people laugh and spending time with his large family, his wonderful neighbors, his wide array of friends, his thankful patients and his selfless colleagues who all mourn the passing of this wonderful, cheerful and humble servant of God.

Dr. Heldt lived a remarkably full and purposeful life dedicated to God, his faith, his country, US veterans, educating others, serving the less fortunate, scientific discovery and healing God’s children. Dr. Heldt improved the lives of tens-of-thousands fortunate to have Dr. Heldt as their care provider, neighbor and friend.

The visitation for Dr. Robert P. Heldt will be held at Drinkwine Mortuary, 999 West Littleton Blvd, Littleton, CO 80120 on January 27, 2019 at 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A rosary vigil will be said during visitation at 7:00 PM.

The funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 5612 South Hickory Street, Littleton, CO 80120 on January 28, 2019 at 10:30 AM with Reverend Caleb Kick officiating. A celebration of Dr. Heldt’s amazing life will be held following mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel on January 28, 2018.

Dr. Heldt will be buried with full military honors at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 4400 West Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236 at 1:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 5612 South Hickory Street, Littleton, CO 80120.

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