Nicky Heldreth
Born on April 24, 1942 in Cuthbert, GeorgiaPassed on September 21, 2025. in Melbourne, Florida
Nicky Heldreth peacefully passed away on Sunday September 21, 2025 with his family at his side. Nicky was an incredible man – a devoted husband, an inspirational father and grandfather, a highly respected U.S. Army officer, and a visionary corporate executive – loved by all.
Born in 1942 in Cuthbert, Georgia, Nicky lived worldwide throughout his childhood as his father served in the military. After his father‘s military retirement, Nicky and his family settled in Columbus, Georgia.
Nicky, quickly became just “Nick” – a leader and inspirational speaker. Nick attended North Georgia College, a premier American military college, graduating in 1964 and commissioned as an Officer in the U.S. Army. He married his college sweetheart Diane Gronke. Together, their son and two daughters and their families would become mainstays in each of their communities, epitomizing the exceptional values that Nick championed.
As an Airborne parachutist, Nick was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, leading America’s finest soldiers and advancing his leadership skills. One parachute jump changed his life forever – as Nick cleared the airplane on a parachute jump, his main chute failed to open. Activating his reserve chute, it too failed to open – Nick streamed into drop zone with certain death when he guided to the top of a soldier’s parachute well below him. As that soldier landed, Nick bounced on the top of that soldier’s inflated chute like on an air mattress and slid to the ground, walking off the drop zone! God’s hand guided Nick – God had big plans for our Nick to lead and add great value to everything he touched.
As a Program Executive with United Technologies, he led the design, manufacture and service of key aircraft engines supporting our Defense Department and international military partners work-wide. Harris Corporation, a premier American information technology innovator, selected Nick to serve as its Senior Vice President of Human Resources and Worldwide corporate relations and government affairs leading the programs across sites world-wide. Nick was the “make-it-happen” guy.
On retirement from Harris Corporation, his love for family and his many Golden Retriever dogs led Nick to serve in key roles with many local, state, and national programs like Canine Companions for Independence, providing service dogs to people with disabilities.
Nick is survived by his wife Diane; daughter Shelly Onaindia; daughter Kristen Wallace (Charley) and daughter-in-law Liz Heldreth. His grandchildren are Britany (Rawlin), Alexander( Mallory), Allison (Dylan), Adam (Lauren), Kristina, Bryson( Ashley), Payton, Ashton and Adisyn as well as his great grandchildren Laiken, Jay, Hudson, Lexington, Navy and Bella. Also surviving are his brothers Charles Heldreth (Jessica), David Heldreth (Christine) and sister-in-law Karen Harris(Chess) and many nieces and nephews.
Nick was pre-deaceased by his parents Charles and Doris Heldreth; his brother James Heldreth; his son Craig Heldreth and son-in-law Juan Onaindia.
The Brownlie and Maxwell Funeral Home will host Nick’s funeral service at 1010 E. Palmetto Ave in Melbourne, Florida on Saturday, 4 October 2025 with visitation from 1-2 pm and his service following at 2:00 pm. Nick will be interred with his fellow soldiers at a private ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery the following week.
