On Monday, March 13, 2023, Bernard A. Heckman, MD, of N. Bethesda, Md., passed away. 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.