Keith B. Hekeler

CHESHIRE - Keith B. Hekeler, 61, entered peacefully into everlasting 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 his 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; father-in-law James L. Coleman of Cheshire; several nieces, nephews, extended family, dear friends, and his puppies Scruff and Benny, all who adored and loved him very much. He is predeceased by his mother-in-law 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 thoughtful 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 with his loved ones as possible. His support for his daughters and their passions was unwavering, making it 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 a love for cooking, camping, dirt bike riding, and traveling. Family vacations were the highlight of every year and always full of fun, adventure, and learning. Keith visited 48 States and numerous countries, his favorite place of all being Alaska. Keith had a huge and compassionate heart and always went the extra mile in helping family, neighbors, and friends. Keith was a good man with a kind soul who gave unconditionally. He had the strongest work ethic and instilled this discipline in his daughters.

Keith was a lifelong resident of Cheshire having graduated from Norton Elementary School and Cheshire High School. He was a standout 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 finance industry, having commuted daily to New York City for almost thirty years.

At the time of his passing, Keith worked for Morgan Stanley as a Complex Products Risk Officer. 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 their electronic trading platform, Pulse, transitioning into a Senior Derivatives Analyst for Flextrade, a partner in Pulse. As Director of Global Equity Derivative Sales Trading for UBS, Keith represented their Direct Market Access (DMA) platform and traded the Zurich order flow. Keith held several positions for Citigroup including Director of Options Trading, Director of Hedging and Monetization and Director of Derivatives DMA. In addition, Keith served as the Director of the Allocations Committee for the International Securities Exchange (ISE) with the responsibility of allocating options market makers on new listings. He was selected as one of the five original traders to trade on the ISE.

Keith left this world way too soon. His wife and daughters were everything to him as he was to them. He held strong throughout the many challenges he faced in life and through the grace of God persevered beyond every obstacle. He never gave up and fought hard to his last breath. There was so much more Keith had 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, amazingly wonderful and loving father, devoted son in law, the coolest and most fun uncle ever, loyal and caring friend, and just a super great man in every way. Keith will be forever in our hearts. Heaven has gained our angel. May Keith rest in eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.

Arrangements - Calling hours will be Thursday, February 17, 2022, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home, 615 South Main Street, Cheshire followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Keith’s life at 12:00 pm at St. Bridget of Sweden Church, 175 Main Street, Cheshire. Burial will follow in St. Bridget Cemetery.