Lynn A. Heintz

Lynn A. Heintz, 78, of Batavia passed away on Monday July 7th, 2025. He was born January 12th 1947 in Batavia, to the late Clyde and Ruth (Bartholf) Heintz. He is preceded in death by his former wife Judith A. Murnan and his younger brother Dennis Heintz.

Lynn graduated from Batavia high school in 1964 while attending trade school. He was an accomplished instrument and model maker, and retired from Eastman Kodak after over 30 years of service between their Camera Works, Hawk-Eye and Elmgrove Plants. Lynn built Hudson River Self Storage (now Simple Self Storage) and invested in other real estate for quite a few years. Lynn’s most recent endeavor was building an addition onto his barn last fall. He was always busy with some project and was probably busier after retirement than during his working years. He loved to garden and be outdoors. He was a loving husband and father who always could give you advice on something. He always had a vast practical knowledge of a great many things.

Lynn was a great historian and had an encyclopedic memory about all things railroad and industrial concerning Genesee County, the Western NY region, and beyond. During high school he was part of the Batavia Model Railroad Club and hung out with his fellow model railroaders at a hobby shop called Buddy’s Roundhouse. He was into HO gauge model trains, a member of the National Model Railroad Association and at one point a member of the Genesee Society of Model Engineers in Oakfield. He was an avid railroadiana collector which included keys, locks, lanterns, signs, maps, documents, and many other items. He enjoyed collecting old bottles that were from local dairies and bottling companies.

He was active in the Rochester Chapter National Railway Historical Society, Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum, New York Central Railroad Historical Society, as well with the Erie-Lackawanna, Pittsburgh, Shawmut, & Northern Railroad historical Society, Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society, and Lehigh Valley Railroad Historical Society. Lynn would qualify for one of those vehicle license brackets that said "my other car is a locomotive" as he owned a rare and unusual Cincinnati four-wheel locomotive that had come out of service from a local industry in the Western New York area. He also would spend time volunteering as a conductor on various train excursions where he would completely dress the part. Some of these included the Medina Railroad Museum who would have Polar Express and Day Out with Thomas events.

Lynn was heavy into automotive as well, and over the years has owned many antique cars and trucks. Some of these included a Kissel Gold Bug Speedster, an Auburn boat tail speedster, a 67 Corvette Stingray, and a number of old Ford trucks and middle aged Chevy pickups. He collected many various automobile items. He was always meticulous with making sure parts were original on his vehicles. He belonged to the Early Ford V-8 Club of America, the Vintage Chevrolet Club of America, and the 1965-66 Full-size Chevrolet Club,

He is survived by his wife Fang Liu of Batavia; his two sons Benjamin (Kristine) Heintz and James Heintz; three granddaughters, Haley, Hanna, and Emily; along with many cousins.

Friends and family are invited to call on Friday July 18th, 2025 from 4:00-7:00PM at Gilmartin Funeral Home 329-333 West Main St. Batavia, New York 14020. A 10:00AM Funeral Service will be held on Saturday the 19th at the Funeral Home. Lynn will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers we would also like for donations to go to the Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum https://rgvrrm.org/donate/. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.