Mark Lawrence Heaney, MD, PhD

Class Year

1984

Affiliation

Alumni

Posted on: August 23, 2023

Mark Lawrence Heaney, 63, of Pelham Manor, passed away on August 17, 2022. He was born on November 3, 1958 in Hagerstown, MD to the late Joseph L. and Marilyn (Conte) Heaney. He attended Fox Lane High School and Harvard University where he graduated with a degree in biochemical sciences. He received his MD and PhD in Microbiology from the University of Virginia and completed his internal medicine residency at SUNY Stony Brook. Following fellowship training in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Mark joined the faculty where he was a member of the Leukemia Service for nearly 20 years and associate director of the fellowship program. In 2013, Mark joined Columbia University Medical College as a member of the Division of Hematology and Oncology within the Department of Medicine where he helped develop a new leukemia program, cared for patients, and conducted research with a focus in rare diseases. He was also the director of the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program, chair of Columbia’s Cancer Center Institutional Review Board, and co-head of Medical Oncology at NYPH-Lawrence Hospital.

Mark was a dedicated and revered physician-scientist and a respected colleague. He actively listened to his patients’ concerns and thoroughly explained their conditions and treatment options. He made himself available to his patients at all times and frequently gave out his personal phone number. As a researcher, he was devoted to advancing the field of hematology and oncology. Mark was also a gifted and devoted educator and mentor who developed one of the largest and most selective fellowship programs in the country.

Mark met his wife, Tone Lindgren, of 31 years when he was a resident at SUNY Stony Brook. His greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, supportive and involved father, beloved brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and brother-in-law, and a loyal friend. Since Mark’s youth, he had a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. He enjoyed traveling, skiing, hiking, biking, and gardening. He was also a sports enthusiast, following everything from golf to football. He shared this interest with his children and was involved in coaching their recreational soccer and t-ball teams for several years. Some of his most cherished times were with family and friends in Cape Cod, enjoying sunsets and walks on the beach, reading, and playing outdoors with his children.

Mark will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Tone Lindgren, and their three children: Thomas, Kristin, and Katie. He is survived by his sister Gretta Heaney of Mamaroneck, NY and brother Peter Heaney of State College, PA.