It is with great sadness and sorrow  that the family of Peter James Heins announces his passing on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the age of 67. He is survived and will be lovingly remembered  by numerous family members, first and foremost, by  his loving wife and best friend, Linda Rivera-Heins, whom he resided with in Tamarac, Florida, followed by : his step-children , Anita Rivera-Miller (and husband Lee), Shelly Rivera, Pedro Rivera (and wife Keysha), and Gabriel Rivera; his grandchildren (whom he adored and doted on every chance he was able to), Valentino Rivera (Shelly's son), Brittnie, Pedro Jr, and Branden Rivera ( Pedro's children); Lucas, Gabriella, and  Natalia Rivera (Gabriel's children); his great-grandchild, Davaughn Carter (Brittnie's son).

Peter will also be forever fondly  remembered by his surviving siblings , nieces, and nephews: his brothers , Donald Destaso (and wife Stephanie), James Heins (and wife Laurie), Christopher Heins (and wife Michelle); his sisters , Jennifer Heins and Linda Destaso (and husband Kenny); his nieces ,  Megan Heins, Jacquelyn Hesse, Francine Rao and Donna Destaso; his nephews, Tommy Heins, Christopher Heins, Michael Heins, Brian Heins, Jason Heins and Philip Grapes.

Peter was born to James Henry Heins and Jacquelyn Bosch Heins in Hackensack, NJ and spent a great deal of his early life in various parts of NJ with Paramus, Hillsdale, and Lake Parsippany being of special importance to him. He graduated from Parsippany High School and spent many years raising and training horses; as well as caring for a variety of resident farm animals on a ranch. Additionally, he utilized his breadth of  knowledge  of horses in order to provide horse riding instruction, entertain kids with pony rides at parties,  and delve into the rodeo circuit. He often sought solace and peaceful relaxation in taking horses out on the trails  Seeking a change of pace and a new start, he relocated to Florida in 2005 where he obtained employment in various fields before ultimately obtaining his license and becoming a security officer and meeting his wife, Linda, whom he was happily married to for 11 years becoming an integral part of the lives of her 4 children and their children, proudly referring to them as "his kids" and grandkids.

Often times in life (sometimes not often enough), you will meet, know and love certain people due to their humble, kind, giving and loving spirit; Peter was that type of person and it is of no surprise that so many loved and thought (and think) highly of him. More than himself, he was always more concerned with others, their happiness, and their needs. He was happiest spending time and laughing with family and friends (having a few Moscow mules or cold brews and lighting up the BBQ grill); doting on his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who loved him dearly; and helping those who needed it the best way he could and in any way he could. He loved generously, without hesitation, and for that he was loved equally in return.  It has been said that the measure of person's life is their character, Peter's character, without question, is immeasurable and second to none. He will be forever loved and greatly missed.