CAMDEN — John C. Heilker, 74, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 3, 2015. He died at home, following a long struggle with dementia and asbestosis.

Born in Baltimore, Md., on June 12, 1940, he spent most of his young life in the Sisters of Charity Home for Boys.. At age 18, John joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served honorably for six years and was discharged as a corporal.

John worked for Baltimore Gas and Electric for 33 years, retiring as general manager of new gas construction. For many years he mentored newly hired young engineers in the important task of relating to the working crews of BGE. He knew all his staff and their families by name. He was known for his fierce loyalty, strong work ethic and the caring attitude and respect he had for his crews and their families.

After retirement John followed his wife, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Sharyn Burke, as she completed a 26-year Navy career. John had a deep love for the military, especially his beloved Marine Corps. Along with his wife, he traveled extensively, visiting historic battle fields and museums, and pursing an in-depth study of America's military engagements in World War II, and the Revolutionary and Civil wars.

John was a generous, kind and humble man who loved the Lord, his family and his many friends. A frequent visitor to the Rockport YMCA, he will be remembered for his colorful assortment of USMC gym gear and the many pull-ups he did. John was also a long distance runner, completing several Marine Corps marathons along with many short distance races.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Sharyn Burke of Camden; his sons, Michael Heilker and his wife, Karen, of Pasadena, Md., and Steven Heilker of York, Pa; his step-daughters, Kellie Novak Tharilkill and her husband, Mike Thrailkill, of White Hall, Md., and Jamie Burke and her partner, Monica Vanbuskirk, of Denver, Colo.; his granddaughters, Nichole Jordon and Savanna Thrailkill; his grandsons, Eric Heilker and Harley Novak; and a great-granddaughter, Lexy Heilker.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 12 at 4:30 p.m. at Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 30 Scherer Lane in Rockland, followed by a reception for family and friends. Interment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Grace Bible Fellowship, 30 Sherer Lane, Rockland, ME 04841 or the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Drive, Suite 104, Dumfries, VA 22025.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.