David Benjamin Heller, 36, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on the night of Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Frederick County, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family and his beloved cats after a courageous, ferocious battle with brain cancer.
David Benjamin Heller
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
David was born in Falls Church, Virginia, the son of Catherine Price of Frederick County, Virginia, and Stanley Paul Heller, deceased.
A graduate of Texas A&M University-Galveston, David earned his bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration and spent his college years proudly playing for the school’s baseball team. This education paved the way for his career as a dedicated federal employee, where he applied his deep expertise in storms and ships to solve complex problems and avert disasters at sea. To his colleagues, he was more than just a hardworking professional, he was a dependable and cherished friend.
David lived life with high energy and a love for anything with an engine. A true MOPAR enthusiast known to his friends as “Hellcat Dave”, he was happiest when around fast cars, big trucks, or out mudding or chasing storms. He was also a passionate foodie and a talented cook who found great joy in smoking and grilling, and in sharing BBQ with his favorite people.
Beneath his rugged interests, David possessed a quiet, gentle soul. He had an intuitive nature, often sensing what someone needed before they even realized it themselves. He found peace in simple moments, such as watching ships pull into the harbor. He had a pure, tender joy that lit up his eyes whenever he petted or cuddled his cats.
David is survived by his mother, Catherine Price; his siblings, Michele Dodge, Michael Dodge, Kara Dodge, Kevin Dodge, Russell Dodge and his Irish twin, Danielle Heller; his girlfriend Catherine Pruiett; his nephews, Paul Dodge and Ulysses Dodge; his nieces, Michaela Kovacik, Kayla Robinson and Frances Dodge; his dog, Lagertha; and his cats, Fluffers, Thanos, and Kronos.
His famous smile and world-class smoked brisket will always be missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Cure Starts Now. https://thecurestartsnow.org
