Paul S. Heise

Paul completed his joyous life journey on January 5, 2026, surrounded by his devoted family, leaving an incredible legacy. Born July 22, 1946, and known lovingly as Paul, Pop, and Opa, he lived with deliberate intention and made the most of each and every day. Relishing the small moments with those he loved, he was the steadfast connector of the entire family.

He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Carol (Wing) Heise; his sister, Robin Heise Emerson; his brother-in-law, Millham Gill Petri; and his nephew, Nicholas Millham Petri. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Laurie; his children, Erin Luecke (Heise) and Bryan (Tracie) Heise; his five grandchildren, Jacob, Emma, and Chase Luecke, and Peyton and Nate Heise; his brothers Scott (Joyce), David, and Terry Heise; brother-in-law Paul Emerson; sisters-in-law Susan (Jim) Locke and Gail Petri; and ten wonderful nieces and nephews.

Paul grew up in Holley, NY, and moved with his family to Rochester at the age of 16. He attended Penfield High School, where his love of sports continued to grow, and later graduated from SUNY Oswego in 1969. After college, Paul began his career in the food service industry with Milton Jacobstein, working in the warehouse, while also serving in the Army Reserves. Recognizing his potential, Milton invited him to head out on the road with a mentor to learn the sales side of the business. In 1974, the company was acquired by Perry Jacobstein, where Paul spent the next 31 years of his career, becoming an integral part of the company and one of the most respected and successful food service salesmen in the Rochester area. After retiring in 2005, he continued to work with Benchmark, a food broker, for another ten years. He took great pride in servicing his customers with hard work, respect and honesty, along with his desire to truly connect with every single person he had the opportunity to work with and meet.  

On May 22, 1971, Paul married the love of his life, Laurie Petri, at the Colgate Rochester Divinity Chapel. Being an avid Montreal Canadian fan, they honeymooned in Montreal and Quebec City, where they continued to vacation with their two children faithfully each year. Paul and Laurie, AKA “Omie and Opa”, were two peas in a pod. Their soulful connection was undeniable, and their respect and deep love for one another radiated within each interaction. 

Paul was thoughtful, patient, hardworking, and admired by all who knew him. He lived with dignity, quietly going above and beyond for the people he loved. He cherished the simple joys of life. The day trips, country drives, Starbucks coffee runs, Cobbs Hill walks, working out at the JCC, volunteering for Meals on Wheels Rochester, Advent Hospital, and the Valspar PGA Tournament, which he did while snowbirding in Florida.  He enjoyed doing crossword jumble, wordle, reading the newspaper, and keeping up with the sports stats locally and nationally. He took great pride and care of his home, yard, and cars. He never missed a “good morning” call or text to his children and was fully immersed in his grandchildren’s lives. 

As Paul often said, “All days are good, but some are better than others.” Paul cared deeply about tradition, and the moments he valued most were spent fully present with family and friends. He was proud to officiate his niece’s wedding and delighted in keeping close to the lives of those he loved. Paul was an avid sports fan, an adventurous companion, and a steady, peaceful presence. He had a knack for understanding people, noticing the little things that made them who they are, and sharing life lessons that will be carried with all of us forever.

A heartfelt thank you, with deep gratitude, to Dr. Aram Hezel and his staff for 10 years of compassionate care. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wilmot Cancer Institute, 300 E. River Road, P.O. Box 278996, Rochester, NY 14627 in his memory. 

Celebration of Paul’s life will take place in July 2026. Updated details will be shared by Crawford Funeral Home. 

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