Daniel S. Heit
September 28, 1947 - March 20, 2026

Daniel S. Heit, Visionary Business Executive, Philanthropist and Family Man, dies at 78.

DANIEL S. HEIT: Visionary founder and president of JusticeWorksYouthCare and a nationally respected leader in behavioral health and youth services, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 20, 2026 with loved ones by his side after an extremely hard fought and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 78.

Born on September 28, 1947, in Ellenville, New York, to Rose (Green) and Morris Heit, Dan lived a life defined by purpose, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable youth and families. He was predeceased by his parents, his former spouse Sandy Loevner, and his brother Steve Heit.

Dan's incredibly distinguished career spanned decades and was marked by both executive leadership and public service at the highest levels. Early in his professional life, he served as a senior executive at Abraxas, where he earned recognition for his work in developing effective programs for at-risk youth. Building on that experience, he founded JusticeWorksYouthCare in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1999-an organization that would grow to become a nationally recognized model for innovative, community-based behavioral health services.

A leading voice in his field, Dan was widely acknowledged for his expertise in designing and managing programs for troubled youth. His work was grounded in a deeply held philosophy of doing "whatever it takes" to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people, their families, and their communities.

His leadership extended well beyond his own organization. He was appointed by President George H.W. Bush to serve on a 24-member Presidential Commission focused on model legislation. As president of a national trade organization, he met with President Bill Clinton and contributed to subcommittees on health care reform. He was also a founding member of The National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws and served two terms as president of the Therapeutic Communities of America, helping to shape policy and best practices nationwide.

Colleagues remember Dan as a man of conviction and vision-someone who combined strategic insight with compassion and an unyielding sense of responsibility. He was deeply engaged in his community and generously gave his time and expertise to numerous organizations, always with the goal of strengthening systems of care and expanding opportunity for those most in need.

Above all, Dan was devoted to his family, who were the absolute joy of his life. He is survived by his tremendously loving and devoted daughter, Morgan Wilks (Thomas); his son, Alex Heit (Harris Blum); his sister, Susan Heit (George Dionne); and his cherished grandchildren, Saylor, Lola, and Devin. He took immense pride in their lives and accomplishments and remained closely connected to them throughout their lives.

Daniel S. Heit's legacy is one of impact, integrity, and enduring compassion. Through the organizations he built, the policies he helped shape, and the countless lives he influenced, his honest and hard work will continue to carry on a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 11 AM. Visitation one hour prior to service (10 AM - 11 AM). Entombment Private at Homewood Cemetery. A Private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to causes supporting youth and families, reflecting Mr. Heit's lifelong mission. www.schugar.com

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