Edward Paul Heineman

Edward Paul Heineman, 65, passed away September 1, 2023 at his island home with loved ones by his side. He was born September 21,1957, son of the late Louis & Barbara (Traverso) Heineman.

Ed Heineman was a fourth generation Put-in-Bay grape cultivator and wine producer through great grandfathers Gustav Heineman and Stefano Traverso, who both also operated island caves as attractions. Edward was a fifth-generation island grape cultivator through great-great grandfathers, Johann Francis Anton and Franz Anton Fuchs.

He was the recipient of a scholarship from the George F. Lonz Foundation and earned a B.S. degree in Agriculture from Ohio State University. Following in the footsteps of his ancestors he became a successful viticulturist and enologist producing countless award-winning wines. Ed’s dedication to the family business led to the expansion of the Heineman winery menu to include up to 26 varieties of wine and grape juice. He was a member of the Ohio Wine Producers Association, Ohio State University Alumni Association, and the Put-in-Bay High School Alumni Foundation.

When Edward was not immersed in the art of winemaking he was fishing in Lake Erie and the Florida coastal waters or playing softball at the local ball diamond. He was passionate about his Ohio sports teams including the OSU Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers, and Guardians. Ed was warm-hearted and generous. His winery freezer was always stocked with popsicles and ice cream for the younger visitors and he frequently rescued animals in need of a loving home. He dedicated his life to making others smile and will be missed dearly.

Ed Heineman is survived by his beloved wife, Michele, son Dustin (Kira Hubner) Heineman, daughter Ava Heineman, step-daughter Desiraye (John Reyes) Pulizzi; grandson; Eli Heineman, and step-grandkids Elora and Kate Hubner, Oakley and Brogan Reyes; sisters Terese (Dr. John) Baker, Angela Martens, twin Victoria Roggenbeck, and Elizabeth (Michael McIntyre) Heineman. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Samuel Heineman. He is also survived by his in-laws, John (Bridget) Dodge and Tuong (Hoi) Doan, numerous cousins and extended family.

Visitation will be held from 9 AM-12 PM, Monday, September 11, 2023 at the Cornerstone Room, Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, 632 Catawba Ave, Put-in-Bay and a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Nick Cunningham at 12:30 PM in the Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church. Mass will be followed by interment in Maple Leaf Cemetery. Fellowship immediately following at the Put-in-Bay Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Mother of Sorrows Catholic Church, The Gustav Heineman Scholarship, or other favorite island non-profit organizations.  Due to the closure of the Rte. 2-Rte. 53 exit everyone is advised to use the Rte. 269 North or the Rte. 163 East exit for the Miller Ferry.