MILLERTON - Alexander G. Heller, 78, a 23 year resident of Millerton and a long time resident of Hopewell Junction, died Sunday, July 20, 2008 at the Sharon Health Care Center in Sharon, CT, after a long illness.

Born Oct. 26, 1929 in Yonkers, he was the son of the late Gaza and Elizabeth Boytos Heller.

He was raised and worked on the family fruit farm in Germantown and with his parents and brothers, operated Hellers Farmstand; the farm still being operated.

Mr. Heller graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany in 1946 and Sampson College in Buffalo in 1950.

Upon his graduation, he serve in the United States Air Force as a fighter pilot flying F-84s from 1951 to 1955.

In 1957, he began a 44 year career as a commercial airline pilot with United Airlines until his retirement in 2001.

On June 30, 1957, in Landsford, PA, he married Agnes Babinetz, who predeceased him in 1988.

Survivors include his wife, Judith Barteau Heller of Millerton; two sons, Alexander J. Heller of Germantown and Kenneth Heller and his wife, Sara and daughter, Emma also of Germantown. In addition, he leaves two brothers, John Heller and his wife, Cecelia of Rhinebeck and Frank Heller and his wife, Sharon of Schenevus, NY; and his nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Valentine Funeral Home, Park Ave., Millerton on Tuesday, July 29 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 30, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, Church St., Millerton, by Fr. John Durkin.

Interment with military honors, will follow at Linlithgo Cemetery, Linlithgo, NY.

Those who so desire, may contribute in memory of Mr. Heller, to the Millerton Fire Co. Ambulance Fund, Millerton, NY 12546.