Obituary of Mark L. Heller

Mark Levin Heller of Loudonville died Thursday evening, April 19, 2012, surrounded by family and friends. Mark was the beloved son of the late Julius and Sally Heller. He was born on February 14, 1934 in Troy, and raised in Albany. Mark was a graduate of the Albany Academy, Hamilton College and Harvard Law School. Mark was predeceased by his beloved Carolyn, his wife of 50 years, in 2009. Mark was a founding partner of Nolan & Heller in Albany in 1964. He was an extraordinary attorney and person. He was highly respected among clients, colleagues, and members of the legal community for his integrity, collegiality, exceptional intellect and his impeccable judgment. Mark was a mentor to generations of attorneys, for whom he set the highest professional standards, as well as business people and other community members whose lives he influenced. Mark touched the lives of many, both in and out of his profession. He was a former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Saint Anne Institute in Albany, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the College of Saint Rose, and a Member of the Board of Directors of Albany Memorial Hospital. Mark was also known for his many and varied interests outside of the law, a mere sampling of which included travel, flying, skiing, shooting and golf, his love of and expertise with computers, his lifelong love of New Orleans Jazz, his pursuit of a multitude of musical instruments, and various scholarly pursuits, including his study of Classical Greek and Roman language, history and culture. Despite all his achievements and interests, Mark will most be remembered by many for his love of and devotion to Carolyn, his family and great many friends. Mark is survived by his four children: Cynthia (Steven Weinreb) of West Hartford, CT; Justin (Ruth) of Slingerlands; Martha (Tony Vaver) of Westborough, MA; and Jason (Alison) of Clifton Park. He is also survived by his brother Miles (Nancy) of Burlington VT, his brother-in-law Stanley (Mindell) of New Rochelle, 11 grandchildren, nephews, and other family and friends, all of whom loved him dearly. Funeral services will be at the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Beth Emeth Cemetery on Turner Lane in Loudonville. Family and friends are invited to attend a period of mourning at the Heller residence, following the interment service. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Mark's memory may be made to the Community Hospice of Albany, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205.