Heinz Gilcher

Heinz Gilcher, 92, of Murrysville, passed peacefully with his daughters by his side on Thursday, June 27, 2024. He was born on Tuesday, February 16,1932 in Homewood, Pa, son of the late Philipp and Irma Bollenbacher Gilcher. Heinz grew up in Penn Hills, Pa as the son of German immigrants. His formative years were impacted by the hardships that surrounded World War II. He was especially curious about electronics and how motors worked.

Heinz had a strong work ethic. At a young age, he started his own grass cutting business and delivered newspapers which eventually allowed him to finance his own college education. In 1954, he graduated from Carnegie Tech (Carnegie Mellon University) with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Shortly after, he was drafted into the US Navy and served on the USS Porterfield. In 1964, Heinz married Henny, the love of his life of 52 years. During his career as an electrical engineer, working for ALCOA, Westinghouse, and Union Switch & Signal in the Research and Development Departments, he earned 9 patents. He was most proud of his True 2 Track Relay. In October of 2023, he was recognized as a member of the Hitachi Rail Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, he particularly enjoyed individual investing, history, current events, European travel, working outside, attending River City Brass Band concerts, volunteering for the church property committee at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church, spending time with his family and his grandsons. Heinz was always ready and willing to help his family, friends, and neighbors with anything that was needed. He was a rock of his family and will especially be remembered for his generosity, support, love, and the wonderful storyteller that he was. In addition to his parents, Heinz was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Henrietta K. Gilcher; a sister, Anna Gilcher, and a brother, Werner Gilcher. He is survived by two daughters, Heidi (Christopher) Sadecky of McMurray, Pa, and Gretchen (Robert) Lagoon of Zelienople; two grandchildren, Gabriel and Julian Lagoon; and two nephews, Karl and Erik Stapelfeldt.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hart Funeral Home Inc., Murrysville. A funeral service will be held at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church, Murrysville on Monday at 10:30 a.m. Everyone please meet at the church. Interment will be in Allegheny County Memorial Park, Allison Park. If desired memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association in Heinz’s name. for online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com

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