Heydra was born on 4 July 1948, in La Guaira, Vargas state, Venezuela.[2] He was the oldest of four brothers.[2] His father, Pastor Heydra de Barlovento, was originally from Miranda state, while his mother, Iris Rojas, an academic, was from the city of Juan Griego on Margarita Island.[2] The family moved to Margarita Island a few days after his birth.[2] Heydra was raised by his maternal grandmother while his mother completed her university degrees in Caracas.[2]
Heydra earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from Central University of Venezuela.[1][2]
In 1968, Heydra and Rosmary Morales had one daughter, Katiuska Heydra Morales, his first child.[2] In 1978, he had a second child, Carlos Julio Heydra Castillo, with Aura Martha Castillo Sagarzazu.[2] In 1999, Heydra married Adriana María Ramos, with whom he had one son, Pastor Antonio Heydra Ramos.[2]
Following a COVID-19 diagnosis amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Venezuela, Heydra was hospitalized for several days in January and February 2021.[1] He died of a stroke from COVID-19 complications at a hospital on Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta state, at 5:00 a.m. on 2 February 2021, aged 78.[1][2] He was survived by his wife of 20 years, Adriana María Ramos, three children, and four grandchildren.[2]
