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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I am sending my deepest sympathy to the family of Daniel Heit. May he rest in peace.

By Monique Mitchell/ JWYC Pike County - March 24, 2026

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We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of our leader, Dan! The gravity of his life, vision, and legacy will be seen and felt for generations to come. The legacy of "Whatever it takes" will carry on! We will miss you, Dan! Your kind of impact won't fade, it will only grow! Our deepest sympathies go out to his family during this difficult time, and we hope they find comfort and peace in the days ahead.

By Lancaster/Lebanon JW family - March 24, 2026

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I am so very sad after hearing of Dan's passing. He will be deeply missed and will be remembered forever, after everything he has done for families in need. I am sending you all heartfelt condolences and will be thinking of you today.

By Kristin Thompson - March 24, 2026

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To the Heit family, Please accept my sincere condolences. It was truly a pleasure getting to know Mr. Dan and to share so many inspiring conversations with him. I am deeply grateful for the time he invested in me during the short period of our friendship it meant more than words can express. I will always remember how he would say, “God winked at me,” a reflection of his faith and the unique perspective he carried. His presence and wisdom will be greatly missed. With heartfelt sympathy, Lucille M. Plummer

By Lucille M. Plummer - March 24, 2026

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My deepest condolences to you and your family, you are in my prayers 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 🙏🏽

By Karren Odwin - March 24, 2026

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I am so sorry for your loss. Dan was an amazing man and I am so lucky to have met him and been able to work with him.

By Vince Strangio - March 23, 2026

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I am so very sad to hear of Dan's passing. He was a colleague dedicated to standing for what he believed youth needed to be successful and was able to orchestrate the resources to support them. He will fondly remembered.

By Bernadette Bianchi - March 23, 2026

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May you and your family have a peace for Dan will be missed he has set the bar high for those who he had serve under him and though I only knew him for a short time I have been touched and blessed to have had the opportunity to work for and with him.

By Brenda Overton Program Director Delaware - March 23, 2026

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Dear Heit family, EB and I send our heart felt sympathies. We spent many great moments together, and we will hold his memory in our hearts forever. Love Glenn and eb.

By Dan heit - March 22, 2026

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Luckiest nephew to have had Uncle Dan in my life. So thankful for our time spent together and our relationship. You will always be in my heart.

By Frankels - March 22, 2026

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I am deeply saddened by the loss of our President and Owner. His leadership, Vision, and unwavering commitment left a lasting impact on all of us. He was truly one of a kind, and his legacy will continue to inspire us every day. My heartfelt condolences go put to his family and all who had the privilege of knowing him. As Dan would call me "Rock Star"

By Nicole Tate - March 21, 2026

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I was deeply saddened to hear about Dan's passing. He was a truly wonderful person who always made me feel welcome whenever I had the privilege of being part of Justice Works events. He made a lasting impact on our family and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

By Deuce Smith - March 21, 2026

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So sorry for this great loss. He was an inspiration to many.

By Dawn Thomforde - March 21, 2026

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