Obituary: Keith B. Hekeler, 61, of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT – (From Alderson-Ford Funeral Home) Keith B. Hekeler, 61, peacefully entered into eternal life with our Heavenly Father on February 6, 2022, lovingly embraced by his wife and daughters.

He was the beloved and devoted husband of Barbara Ann Coleman-Hekeler for over 27 years and the adored and cherished father of her twin daughters Madeline Jane and Samantha Ann Hekeler, who were the joy and loves of his life.

Keith was born on February 29, 1960 to the late Philip K. Hekeler, Jr. and Loretta Hobbes Hekeler. Keith is survived by his brother Kurt J. Hekeler and his wife Lisa of Vermont; stepfather James L. Coleman of Cheshire; several nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and her puppies Scruff and Benny, all of whom adored and loved her dearly.

He is predeceased by his stepmother MaryAnn Coleman of Cheshire; grandparents Oscar and Roberta Hobbes and Philip K. Hekeler Sr. and Mary (Molly) Hekeler, all of Hamden.

Keith will be remembered as the rock and protector of his family. He was a caring and loyal husband and father who always put his family first. He believed in enjoying every moment life had to offer and spending as much time as possible with loved ones.

His support for his daughters and their passions was unwavering, going to every performance, game and presentation, cheering proudly from the sidelines. He took every opportunity to share his knowledge and talents with his family, passing on his love for cooking, camping, dirt biking and traveling.

Family vacations were the highlight of every year and always full of fun, adventure and learning. Keith has visited 48 states and many countries, his favorite place being Alaska. Keith had a huge and compassionate heart and always went the extra mile to help his family, neighbors and friends. Keith was a good man with a caring soul who gave unconditionally. He had the strongest work ethic and instilled this discipline in his daughters.

Keith was a permanent resident of Cheshire, graduating from Norton Elementary School and Cheshire High School. He was an outstanding athlete in football and baseball and was recognized by his coach as one of the best athletes he ever coached.

Keith graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, CIA, Hyde Park, NY, as a chef. Keith previously owned Drescher’s restaurant in Waterbury and was a global buyer for Norway Foods.

After battling cancer for several years, Keith pursued his passion in the financial industry, having commuted daily to New York for almost 30 years.

At the time of his death, Keith was working for Morgan Stanley as a risk manager for complex products. He joined Morgan Stanley, bringing with him over twenty-five years of experience in equity derivatives.

Prior to Morgan Stanley, Keith was Director of Business Development and Institutional Sales for the Chicago Board Options Exchange, where he built its electronic trading platform, Pulse, before becoming a Principal Derivatives Analyst for Flextrade, a partner of Pulse. .

As Head of Global Equity Derivative Sales Trading for UBS, Keith represented their Direct Market Access (DMA) platform and traded Zurich’s order flow. Keith has held several positions at Citigroup, including Director of Options Trading, Director of Hedging and Monetization, and Director of Derivatives DMA.

In addition, Keith served as Director of the Allocations Committee for the International Securities Exchange (ISE) with responsibility for allocating option market makers on new listings. He was selected as one of the top five traders to trade on the ISE.

Keith left this world far too soon.

His wife and daughters were everything to him as he was to them. He held his ground through the many challenges he faced in life and, through the grace of God, persevered beyond all obstacles. He never gave up and fought until his last breath.

There was so much more Keith hoped to do in life, but God had a different plan for him and put his arms around him and whispered, “Come with me.

Keith was a devoted and loving husband, an incredibly wonderful and loving father, a devoted son-in-law, the coolest and funniest uncle ever, a loyal and caring friend, and just a super great man in every way. view. Keith will forever remain in our hearts.

Heaven has won our angel. May Keith rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.

Arrangements – Calling hours will be Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main Street, Cheshire, followed by a Christian Burial Mass to celebrate the life of Keith at 12 years old. :00 p.m. at St. Bridget of Sweden Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire.

Interment will follow at St. Bridget Cemetery.