Our Staff

Jeffrey W. Heitger Sr.

Jeff, the fourth generation owner of Heitger Funeral Service, joined his father in the business in 1980. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1971 and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science Cum Laude in 1979 where he received the Bowsher Award for Restorative Art. 

He is a state licensed funeral director and embalmer.He and his wife Cathi have two sons, Tom and Daniel. He is past president of Massillon Kiwanis and a member of Massillon Rotary, Massillon Club, Massillon K of C 3rd Degree and 4th Degree, Sons of Herman Schiller Lodge 2, Massillon Elks Lodge BPO #441, Massillon Eagles Aerie #190 and St. Joseph Holy Name Society. He serves as vice-president of Jackson Township Lions Club and is a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Churches.

Catherine M. Heitger

A licensed funeral director since 1992, Cathi Heitger began her career as a practical nurse. She is a graduate of both Tuslaw High School and Akron School of Practical Nursing. After graduation, she worked for several nursing homes as well as Massillon Community Hospital before earning her funeral director’s license. 

Cathi married Jeff Heitger Sr. in 1979 and began working in the funeral home office the following year. She was elected secretary-treasurer of District 16 of the Ohio Funeral Directors in 1996 and was the first woman to hold an elected office. She became district president five years later. 

Cathi has been a member of Massillon Kiwanis since 1992 and has served as both president and treasurer several times. She is a member of the Massillon Woman’s Club where she is currently President has served on the board for nine years. Her other memberships include Massillon K of C Columbia Ladies Guild and North Canton Eagles Aerie 2333 Auxiliary.  She currently serves on the Walsh University Advisory Board.

Robert P. Heitger Sr.

Bob, the third generation owner, joined his father in business in 1952. He is a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army who served five years in the South Pacific. 

A graduate of the former Cleveland Mortuary College, he has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 60 years. He attends St. Mary’s Church where he volunteers with the Nave crew and has been an usher for 50 years. 

He belongs to the Massillon K of C Council 554 3rd degree and Bishop Massillon Assembly 4th degree. He served on the Board of the Massillon Heath Department for 25 years.

Tom R. Heitger

The son of Jeff and Cathi Heitger,Tom Heitger was born and raised in Massillon. He graduated from Jackson High School in 1999 and Kent State University in 2006 where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He is employed at Heitger Funeral Service and Butterbridge Farms Pet Cemetery.

Franklin I. Gadd III

Born in Cambridge, Frank grew up in Byesville,Ohio. A graduate of Meadowbrook High School in 1998, he received a B.A. in English Literature in 2002 from Ohio University in Athens. 

He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2003, where he received the Mu Sigma Alpha Award for Academic Proficiency. He is a state licensed funeral director and embalmer. Frank is an Eagle Scout, a member of the Massillon Lions Club and First United Methodist Church. He is also a Jackson/Belden Rotary member.