Richard H Heimbruch

Richie is preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, and his parents, Edna and Henry Heimbruch. He is survived by his daughter, Heidi D’Onofrio, his sister, Lynn (Paul) Levitz, his grandchildren, Gina (Tony) Valdez, Gillian D’Onofrio, and Jason D’Onofrio, son-in-law, Donny D'Onofrio, and his great-granddaughter, Avery Valdez.

Richie was born in the Bronx, New York to Edna and Henry Heimbruch on April 17, 1939. He attended Evander Childs High School in the Bronx. Following high school graduation, Richie enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Erlangen, Germany. Upon return in 1962, he joined the New York Police Department where he honorably served as a police officer for 20 years.

While at a party in 1964, Richie met the love of his life, Arlene Antonucci. They were married on October 8, 1967 in the Bronx, NY, and a year and a half later, they welcomed their only child, Heidi. Upon retirement from the police department, the Heimbruchs moved to Plantation, FL and began working together as restaurant owners. Sadly, Arlene passed away at the young age of 47 in 1993 after a long battle with cancer.

Richie was a devoted father and grandfather known to all as “Papa.” He moved to Weston to live closer to Heidi and help her with her growing family. Gina, Gillian, and Jason brought pride, purpose, and excitement to his life. He happily became their babysitter, chef, chauffeur, and biggest cheerleader for his grandchildren as he spent countless evenings at the Weston softball and baseball fields. Papa could often be found sipping a Diet Coke with no ice, delivering pizza for Enzo's all around Weston, and having “supper” and playing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy at Heidi’s with his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Richie's name, or do something special for your children or grandchildren in honor of Richie's greatest joy in life.

A visitation for Richard will be held Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317.