Armine F. Heinz, Jr., 80
ADAMS, Mass. — Lt. Col. Armine F. Heinz, Jr., US Army, Retired, passed away in NY on Jan. 11, 2022, after a long struggle with health issues. He served 11 years active duty in the US Army and was stationed in Korea, Germany, Maryland and Kentucky, then served 18 years in the Army Reserves in New York. His service started with the Vermont National Guard, which he joined while attending Norwich University in Vermont.
While at Norwich University, he was part of the Norwich Mountain Rescue and Survival Team. After graduation in 1964, he was an engineer with Petricca Construction for a time and helped build highways in Massachusetts. While serving active duty with the US Army in Heidelberg, Germany, he learned to speak German and met his beautiful bride of 55 years, Renate. They married in Heidelberg, Germany in October 1966 at a monastery by the same monk who married Renate's parents and twin sister.
They moved between Germany and the US a few times with the Army. Their daughter, Ingrid, was born in Heidelberg, and their son, Stefan, was born in North Adams. while Armine was deployed to Korea. The family moved to Kentucky with the Army in 1974, and Armine was honorably discharged from active duty in 1975. He then joined the Army Reserves to continue his service to his country.
He worked at Con Edison in New York from 1975-1998, retiring in March 1998 after many years at the Con Ed Learning Center, teaching automotive repair, CPR and safety classes and made many friends at Con Ed. Armine also ran his own side-business for many years, teaching automotive mechanics and defensive driving at night and on weekends, so that he could achieve his goal of retiring early.
Armine loved to travel with his family and friends, including camping in the US, taking cruises, and traveling to Europe and many Caribbean islands. He was always ready for a trip! He was an avid skier and taught his children and nieces to ski, and encouraged his children to teach their children (his grandchildren) to ski to continue the family sport. Armine was an active member of the Bavarian Club Edelweiss of Westchester and enjoyed regular gatherings with his friends there. He was also a member of the American Legion post in Ossining, NY. He always had a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances. He considered events to be "challenges and opportunities", and when you asked him how he is doing, he replied "so good it's incredible!"
Armine was born in Adams on Dec. 19, 1941, to Armine F. Heinz and Helen (nee Paciorek). He was fortunate to recently celebrate his 80th birthday and 55th wedding anniversary. He is survived by his loving wife, Renate (nee Megerle), daughter Ingrid Heinz Adams (Bryan), son Stefan (Michelle), four grandchildren (Spencer Adams, Tyler Heinz, Parker Adams, Marissa Heinz), his sister Diane Freitag of Cheshire, nieces Sheri Lancaster and Sue Burke, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps (OssiningVAC.org).
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