Robert C. Heller, 94, WWII pilot and executive

Robert C. Heller, 94, of West Chester, a World War II pilot and prisoner of war who later became an executive at F.W. Woolworth Co., died Wednesday, July 1, of congestive heart failure. He died in hospice care at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby Borough.

Mr. Heller was a pilot in the Army Air Corps, 91st Bomb Group, 401st Squadron, when his B-17 Flying Fortress was shot down over Germany on Aug. 12, 1943. He was held as a prisoner of war for two years, before he and others at Stalag VII-A in Moosburg, Germany, were liberated by American forces.

"He was just a very strong person," said daughter Patricia.

After leaving the military, Mr. Heller earned a degree in business administration from the University of Michigan and worked his way up from an accountant at Woolworth to secretary-treasurer of the corporation.

He lived in Chatham, N.J., for 25 years before moving to West Chester in 1989.

Mr. Heller, who received a Unit Award, three Air Medals, and a POW medal, was proud of his service and active among veterans' and war-prisoners' organizations. But his daughter said he would be remembered for his devotion to his family.

"The word that's in my mind is generosity. He was a very generous person - and strong-willed also, all the way till the end."

In addition to his daughter, Mr. Heller is survived by two other children and three grandchildren. His wife of 55 years, Ruth, died in 2000.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 9:45 a.m., at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 1325 Boot Rd., West Chester, followed by a funeral service at 11.

Donations may be made to Conquer Cancer Foundation, Box 896076, Charlotte, N.C., 28289, or asco.convio.net/goto/robertheller.