HECKMAN

BERNARD A. HECKMAN

On Monday, March 13, 2023, BERNARD A. HECKMAN, M.D. of N. Bethesda, MD. Beloved husband of Ruth Ann Rauch Heckman. Devoted father of Michael (Beth Peshkin) Heckman and Carolyn (Andrew) Katz. Loving grandfather of Sarah Heckman and Lindsay (Cody Golub), Jamie, Emily and Kaley Katz. Dear brother of Alexander (Jacqueline) and Stanley (Sone Takahara) Heckman and the late Jerome Heckman. Bernie was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in the area. He attended the former Wilson High School and George Washington University. He received his medical degree from the University of Virginia Medical School and completed his internship and residency at New York Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. Bernie married his middle school sweetheart, Ruth Ann, in 1960. He established his medical practice in in 1968, practicing internal medicine and gastroenterology for the next 51 years. He was an admired physician, voted among Washington's Top Doctors for many years. Outside of his work, he was an avid pilot, flying for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and was a dedicated member of the Flying Physicians. His other passions included travel, golf, amateur radio, photography, scuba diving and bridge. He proudly attended his children's and grandchildren's school sports, graduations, weddings, bat mitzvahs and other life events. Bernie's sense of humor, kindness, compassion, and devotion to family, friends, beloved pets, and patients will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, 1 p.m. at Judean Memorial Gardens Chapel, 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD, with interment following. Shiva will be observed at Ruth Ann's home immediately following the interment until 8 p.m., then Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to TORCHINSKY HEBREW FUNERAL HOME, 202-541-1001.

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Published by The Washington Post on Mar. 14, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Heckman

25 Entries

Jim Dadey

May 17, 2024

I was a patient of Dr Heckman. My father started with him in about 1970 and he was my father´s primary care physician until his death in 2011. I started seeing him in about 2005. He was a kind a thorough GI. He also loved opera and several of my visits we discussed opera production and my work on them. He was a subscriber for quite a long time.

Felix Tormes MD

March 9, 2024

Will always remember Bernie for his informative, insightful, slide-less medical presentations, his humor and intellect. His talks were always a highlight of Flying Physician meetings. Felix Tormes, MD, FACS

Larry Weinberg

November 1, 2023

Bernie was my inspiration when I was an intern at the Washington Hospital Center in 1976-7. I´ve never forgotten him and my deep admiration for his knowledge, clinical acumen and encouragement buoyed me up during my 32 year career as a GI guy. Thanks Bernie-you are missed.

Joan Mancuso

July 18, 2023

I send my deepest condolences to Dr Heckman's family. Dr Heckman was my physician from the 1960s until he retired. He also treated my husband and Mother and Father. He was such a wonderful person and doctor. I am deeply grieved by this news.

Dr. Mark and Sarah Eidson

June 1, 2023

Sarah and I only recently found out about Bernie's death and were very saddened. He was such a strong and loyal supporter of the Flying Physicians Association. We have known him for over 25 years and found him to be helpful as a physician using his vast medical knowledge to help us all. We appreciated his lectures and kindness to us.

Patricia Cotton

April 30, 2023

Sending deepest condolences to the entire family. Heartbroken to hear of the loss on my Beloved and Favorite doctor. He was the Best and a Treasure. May he rest in Peace
Pat Cotton & Family

Ronald Rubbin

March 23, 2023

Linda Shandalow my wife and i go back to the beginning. You were Linda´s bridesmaid in 1957 and she was yours in 1960. We always admired and respected Bernie and the good times we 4 had together. Much love.
Ronnie Rubbin

George W. Shehl, MD,FACC

March 22, 2023

Bernie was an erudite physician and pilot of the first order, filling the room with his presence at Flying Physicians Association meetings. Everyone admired and loved Bernie for who he was-a physician´s physician. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May God rest his soul in peace.

Linda and Trevor

March 21, 2023

We are deeply saddened by Bernie´s passing. We will miss his wonderful sense of humor, his brilliant talks at FPA, his kindness and love which he shared with his family, friends and patients.

Felix Tormes MD FACS

March 20, 2023

An outstanding physician, superb speaker, and a wonderful companion on flying adventures, I will miss Bernie' acerbic wit and intellect. Always a pleasure to see him and Ruth at Flying Physician conferences. Rest in Peace Bernie.

Raymond Scalettar, MD, DSc

March 20, 2023

My condolences to Bernie's family. He was an admired physician and colleague who did so much good for so many. He was one of the best and will be missed.

Mildred Carter

March 20, 2023

Dr, Heckman was instrumental in assisting in the startup of the Metro MD Ostomy Association Inc. as far back as 1980 delivering lectures on living with an Ostomy. The organization and particularly me are grateful for him sharing his knowledge of how to live and survive after surgery. To the family, Dr. Heckman has more than fulfilled his purpose in life.

Metro Maryland Ostomy Association

March 20, 2023

To Dr. Heckman's Family,
We at Metro Maryland Ostomy Association are sadden to hear of Dr. Heckman's passing. Our organization owes a lot to Dr. Heckman's work with our founder, Horace Saunders in 1974.
How fortunate Metro Maryland was to have his support for almost 50 years. He will be remembered for his concern and guidance.
Metro Maryland Ostomy Association Board of Directors

Douglas Johnson

March 20, 2023

Sue and I were so saddened to hear of Bernie´s passing. He was a good friend who welcomed us to the Flying Physicians Association family decades ago, an amazing and practical scholar who preferred 3x5 cards and extemporaneous speech during his lectures to PowerPoint. I learned something new every time I talked with Bernie. His kind and compassionate manner will be truly missed. He was quite the pilot as well, and rarely let any opportunity go by to fly his beloved Cessna across the country to commune with his fellow physician pilots at regular FPA meetings and the post meeting gatherings he organized. Fair winds, Bernie... Doug and Sue

Jennifer Lewi

March 19, 2023

Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. Over the years, we heard beautiful stories about Bernie's humor, kindness, and love of flying from our dear friends Beth and Michael. Our condolences during this difficult time, love,
Jen, Matthew, Alex & Izzy

john arbuckle

March 18, 2023

knew Bernie since junior high. Will miss him greatly.

Diane M Cottone

March 18, 2023

I worked in the Doctor´s office across the hall from Dr Heckman from 1974 to 1976 and my husband and I were patients of his from 1972 until his retirement. He was a wonderful, intelligent and kind physician and he definitely improved our health over the years. We have missed having him as our doctor immensely. Please accept our sincere condolences on this terrible loss. We will pray for his family.
Diane & Frank Cottone

Harriet Eisen Shuman

March 16, 2023

I was so saddened to hear of Bernie's passing - not only did I work with him for many years he was always a dear friend - Ruth Anne my deepest condolences are offered to you and your family and also to his brothers, especially Stanley whom I went to school with My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Paul G. isen

March 15, 2023

Knew both Bernie & his brother, Stanley, as teenagers. Bernie was a great help during the period when I lost my Mother. The community will miss an asset.

Anne Cronin, Silver Spring, Md.

March 15, 2023

Dr Heckman was my doctor for over 20 years. I always looked forward to our conversations about his flying and his many trips. A wonderful doctor and human being.

Debbie Schwartz

March 15, 2023

I have such fond memories of Dr. Heckman. I was his patient beginning the mid '80s when I was in college. He was kind and always knew the right thing to say. He even reassured me that I could leave the area and there's be other doctors for me!

Bob and Beverly Piccone

March 15, 2023

We met Bernie just once and that was 45+ years ago at a gathering in our neighborhood , but he made such a wonderful and lasting impression that we never forgot him. We are saddened to learn of his passing.
Beverly Piccone

Mary Chin

March 14, 2023

With our deepest sympathy and love! Ruth and family may your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Dr Heckman was the best doctor to my parents and myself for many years. I am alive and well thanks to Dr Heckman. RIP and we miss you.

Lawrence Cohen, MD

March 14, 2023

I viewed Bernie as an unofficial mentor (and a mensch) at Holy Cross Hospital as I hosted the Hospital Grand Rounds for a number of years. He was always his own man, a singularity, creative/innovative/competent. He is one of those who made Montgomery County and Holy Cross the outstanding medical environments that they are. Sending best wishes to his family.
Larry Cohen

Eric Tublin

March 14, 2023

I only wish I had the opportunity to get to know Bernie as well as my parents did. They were so fortunate to have known him as a trusted colleague, friend and physician for so many years. May his memory be for blessing.

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