From: Richard H. Mann, DPM, Bruce G. Blank, DPM
Hal was a truly kind, generous, loving, charitable soul. I am deeply saddened by his passing. The world is a lesser place for it.
Richard H. Mann, DPM
I was shocked and am very saddened by the recent passing of my friend, Dr. Hal Ornstein. He would be so thankful for and humbled by the thoughtful words of his friends and colleagues that have been posted on PM News and on Facebook. The posts concerning Hal were so well expressed and they were messages written from the heart about the type of person Hal was and the impact he had on others. I can tell you that he loved each of you.
He always appeared most satisfied when he was able to help anyone in need. As mentioned by those who’ve known and worked with Hal for years, he received many well-deserved accolades during his career. But what he appreciated most was simply the deep love shared with him by family and friends.
Hal and I first met at OCPM during...
Editor's note: Dr. Blank's extended-length letter can be read here.
RE: The Passing of Nicholas "Nick" Przystawski, DPM
Nicholas "Nick" Przystawski, DPM, 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 10. Dr. Przystawski served the Leesburg community as a podiatrist for 30 years. He was deeply committed to his patients and took great pride in his work, often spending long hours at the hospital and his office to ensure those in his care received the attention they needed.
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Dr. Nicholas Przystawski |
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Przystawski lived an active and fulfilling life centered around family, community, and service. He had a deep love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, and cycling. He was especially passionate about Scouting and spent many years involved as a scout leader and mentor.
Source: Beyers Funeral Home
03/24/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 3
RE: The Passing of Richard F. Ambrose Jr., DPM
Richard F. Ambrose Jr., age 74, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. Rick graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, where he received his doctorate in 1980. He began his career as a podiatrist, working in several offices before opening his own practice in Adrian, Michigan, in the early 1990s.
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Dr. Richard Ambrose |
Through his dedication, intelligence, and warm personality, his practice quickly flourished. He later expanded, opening additional offices in Westland and Livonia. Over the course of more than 35 years, Rick built not only a successful career but also meaningful connections with generations of families in the communities he served.
Source: Casterline Funeral Home, Inc.
03/24/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Lynn Homisak
The passing of Dr. Hal Ornstein – an immeasurable loss. It's hard to add anything to the accolades posted on PM News by Peter Paicos and Bret Ribotsky of Hal’s personality, inspiration, and influence that he so generously and unconditionally gave to everyone in and out of our profession. Together, they captured the true persona that was Hal.
He was a student and I was a podiatric medical assistant when we first met (That was a long time ago!) Unsurprisingly, I was immediately drawn to his enthusiastic attitude and zest for life. Since then, we’ve been through a lot together, culminating in a valued long-time friendship.
I regarded him as my mentor, my educator, a younger “brother”, a scarecrow to my Dorothy, and...
Editor's Note: Lynn's extended-length letter can be read here
03/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Robert Frimmel, DPM, Elliot Udell, DPM
Hal was a classmate, colleague, and friend. I always appreciated his help with setting up practice management lectures at SAM. Hal was instrumental in referring Dr. Craig Conti to our practice, ultimately becoming a partner at Sarasota Foot Care Center. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. Rest in peace.
Robert Frimmel, DPM, Sarasota, FL
It has been said that a person is remembered not by what they take from this world but by what they give back to their fellow humans. Hal Ornstein was the epitome of this. He lectured at seminars all over the United States but did not bask in his glory. He did not have a shred of arrogance. He was a people person. I vividly remember attending a presentation he gave at a SAM conference in Orlando. He burst into a lecture hall, direct from the airport. Everyone clapped. He had a pile of books under his left arm, covering different topics relating to human behavior. He gave them as gifts to attendees. He lectured for half an hour or so, then ran out to catch the next plane to another city to make another group of people happy. I once wrote to his society with a practice management problem. I was shocked when he and another respected colleague called me and spent an hour figuring out a solution to my problem.
Podiatry and humanity lost a kind soul. Hal was a good man.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
03/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
I am writing with a very heavy heart on the passing of my friend and colleague, Hal Ornstein. Hal’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others made him an extraordinary person and his impact on so many people, including me, will never be forgotten. He was truly a remarkable man whose kindness and generosity made a lasting difference in my life.
As a respected mentor, the advice he gave me was invaluable in helping my practice grow, thrive, and prosper. His positivity was infectious and he believed that life only gets better with each passing day. As a friend, he was always genuinely concerned for the well-being of my wife, me, and my family. He always said his hello's and goodbye's with a warm loving hug.
I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to know and work with him. I hope they find comfort in the love Hal shared and in the many memories he created. I will keep his family in my heart during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be forever a blessing as I know it will be. Rest in peace, Hal, I will miss you deeply.
Marc Haspel, DPM
03/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Andrew Schneider, DPM
On behalf of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our past President and former Chairman, Dr. Hal Ornstein.
Hal was a larger than life figure who could raise the energy of any room the moment he walked in. He was deeply engaged with and respected by leaders throughout the profession. But Hal’s true calling, where he shined brightest, was in connecting with new practitioners and podiatrists who were struggling in practice. He would take them under his wing and serve as a mentor, asking for nothing in return. That was Hal’s enduring spirit: what can I do?
Hal’s presence in exhibit halls around the country was unforgettable, as if a...
Editor's note: Dr. Schneider's extended-length can be read here.
03/20/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Hal Ornstein, DPM
From: Pete Paicos Jr, DPM, CMO For the NJPPSG family
It is with a heavy heart and much sadness that we announce that Hal Ornstein passed away peacefully while asleep on the 16th of March.
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Dr. Hal Ornstein |
Dr. Ornstein was a one-of-a-kind leader and mentor to the profession of podiatric medicine. A graduate of OCPM class of 1987, followed by post-graduate training under the tutelage of Eric Hubbard, DPM. While a student at OCPM, he held the role of APMSA delegate followed by the leadership role in the development of the American Podiatric Medical Post-graduate Association (APMPA) at a time when post-graduate training had no guardrails. APMPA then became enveloped into the APMA’s Residents & Young Physicians organization.
As a strong advocate of practicing...
Editor's note: This extended-length obituary can be read here.
03/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM
The world of podiatric medicine lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Dr. Hal Ornstein — a Hall of Fame practitioner, a master of practice management, and a man whose infectious spirit transformed every room he entered. To those who knew him, Hal was more than a colleague. He was the living embodiment of what it means to practice medicine with joy, purpose, and an unrelenting commitment to lifting others along the way.
Within our profession, Hal occupied a singular place — our own Patch Adams. Much like the legendary figure immortalized by Robin Williams on screen, Hal understood something that many practitioners spend entire careers searching for: that humor, humanity, and healing are not separate pursuits but deeply intertwined ones. He walked into every lecture hall, every consulting room, and every professional gathering with that same...
Editor's note: Dr. Ribotsky's extended-length tribute can be read here.
03/19/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Gene Osterhouse, DPM
Dr. Gene L. Oosterhouse, age 64, of Jenison, MI passed away peacefully and went to be with his Lord on March 13, 2026. For more than 35 years, Gene owned and operated his own podiatry practice. Known affectionately as "Doctor O" to his patients, he was deeply loved by those he cared for and truly loved the community he served. His dedication to helping others extended far beyond his profession and reflected the compassion with which he lived his life.
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Dr. Gene Oosterhouse |
Gene had a great love for duck hunting and cherished the many adventures he shared with his son, Dayton. He especially enjoyed spending time in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Source: mlive.com via Dr. Joseph Borreggine
03/16/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Terry L. Gamache, DPM
Dr. Terry L. Gamache, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2026 in St. Charles, Missouri. For nearly 50 years, he proudly served the St. Charles area as a podiatrist and owner of St. Charles Foot Care Center, building lasting relationships with patients and colleagues alike.
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Dr. Terry Gamache |
His dedication to his profession was evident through his leadership as past president of both the Missouri APMA and the Missouri Diabetic Association.
Source: legacy.com
03/10/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
When you achieve life to age 99, you must not only be lucky but perhaps you did good things during your professional life. Carlos was very active in advancing the podiatric profession not only in North Carolina but also with the APMA in the earlier days. I personally had the opportunity to work with him when I was President of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association in the 1970-'80s. He will be greatly missed in this profession. May he rest in peace.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
03/10/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Neal Kruman, DPM
I would like to report to PM News the loss of Dr. Neal Kruman, a 1966 graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and a past resident at Civic Hospital, which was one of the first podiatry hospitals in Detroit, Michigan to have a surgical residency program. Neal was quite active in the Michigan area for many years. He was my roommate for our freshman and sophomore years at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and needless to say will be greatly missed.
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Dr. Neal Kruman |
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Shirley and family and to state he was a great friend and colleague and will be missed by many of his classmates. May he rest in peace.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
03/09/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Carlos Thomas Cooper Jr., DPM
Dr. Carlos Thomas Cooper, Jr., 99, of Winston Salem, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Kate B Reynolds Hospice House.
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Dr. Carlos Cooper, Jr |
Carlos served our country in the United States Army under General George Patton and served in the Nuremberg war trials. After the war he became a podiatrist and set up a successful practice in Winston-Salem for 50+ years.
Source: Dignity Memorial
03/04/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Lynn Homisak
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Don Chantiles, DPM, from Yorktown, PA. Don was not only a respected individual but also a compassionate physician, deeply committed to his practice and his patients. I had the privilege of visiting Don at his office, where I witnessed firsthand the gentle and professional connection he had with his patients. He made sure that each one felt heard and well cared for.
Don also fostered an admirable and respectful bond with his staff, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. His genuine, caring nature was evident in every aspect of his practice. Throughout my years and experiences in the podiatry profession, I had the privilege of making many valued friendships. Don was truly one of the special ones. His good nature and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by those who were lucky enough to know him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Lynn Homisak, Cape May, NJ
03/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I will miss Ben greatly; he had such a wonderful presence. He was such a pillar of our podiatric program and curriculum since 1976. Ben was a true professional, knowledgeable, and kind individual. I had the pleasure of having him as an instructor in general medicine at CCPM, a longtime colleague as a faculty member at the podiatry college, mentor, and dear friend for many years. We will miss his smile, sense of humor, passion, and kindness.
Ben was always interested in what was going on in our lives, how the family was doing, and we always talked sports (of course basketball was a priority). Ben was such a passionate educator and a true promoter of the podiatric profession and our podiatric students for so much of his career. My deepest condolences to Cindy and the family. He will be truly missed by all. Rest in peace Ben.
Tim Dutra, DPM
02/27/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of F. Don Chantiles, DPM
Dr. F. Don Chantiles, 78, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, February 19, 2026 as a result of a year long battle with Leukemia. He graduated from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in 1973 and completed his internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Philadelphia in 1974.
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Dr. F. Don Chantiles |
He then moved home to York to open his own private practice, Beech Tree Podiatry. He retired in 2024 after 50 years of practice. He was on the staff of Memorial Hospital, York Hospital, and Apple Hill Medical Center. He was a member of the Pennsylvania Podiatric Medical Association and The Porsche Club of America.
Source: John W. Keffer Funeral Homes
02/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Stefan Feldman, DPM
From: Rich Blake, DPM and the KevinRoot Medical staff
Today, all of us here at KevinRoot Medical are mourning the death of a great individual, Dr. Stefan Feldman. Stefan was part of the KevinRoot Medical family for almost 20 years, beginning as one of our early clients in 2007, just months after we opened our doors. Over the years, that professional relationship grew into something much deeper. A mere 3 years ago, and almost to the day, I was introduced to Dr. Feldman, and we became instant friends. We shared weekly meetings and collaborated on the medical education for the clients of KevinRoot Medical.
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Dr. Stefan Feldman |
I knew early on of his health struggles, which he never let bring down that incredible energy and passion for what he did. I am so sorry for his loss and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family. May he rest in peace, and find strength from his love that he poured out to you all.
How do you capture the essence of a man in a few words? For one, his love for...
Editor's note: Dr. Blake's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Ben Zier. Ben was a true champion for the podiatric profession. He supported us at the local and state level. He had a great rapport with the students and taught us what we needed to know for our medicine rotations. Personally, Ben helped me through a minor health crisis while in school. I will never forget his kindness, thoughtfulness, and support.
My favorite Ben story was how he decided to go into general medicine. He was a medical student doing a surgical rotation. The surgeon asked Ben to cut the suture while closing. "Too long" the surgeon commented on the first suture. "Too short" on the second suture. Before cutting the third suture, Ben asked, "How would you like this one - too long or too short?" The surgeon asked Ben to leave the OR. That's how he decided to become an internist. I've told that story to every resident that I worked with. RIP Ben.
John M. Giurini, DPM
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A
I remember taking Gen Med from Dr. Zier in podiatry school, which we jokingly called Ben Med, with affection. The course left me well prepared for residency rotations in general medicine and emergency medicine, in which I was able to function at the same level as the medical residents.
Dr. Zier related a story about when he was a resident. He told the staff that he was beginning his residency, and was there to learn as much as he could. As a result, the staff taught him a great deal. Another resident at that time came across as knowing it all, which resulted in his rotations being much more difficult to get through. I carried this advice into residency and private practice.
There are two things that I learned from Dr. Zier by direct observation of patient care in rounds with him. The first was how to determine if a patient has liver disease when the patient's hands are extended. The second was the work-up necessary to diagnose Addisonian crisis. Although I never saw either of these in private practice, I never forgot them. His passing is sad to hear, but what he has done teaching podiatry students is immeasurable.
Bart Holt, DPM, Missoula, MT
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Fran was the valedictorian of his class at TUSPM. He was brilliant, funny, a bit of a tough guy, and a talented surgeon. He always performed with 110% energy and intensity. I knew him from his Temple U days and we practiced at the same hospital for years. He left podiatry to become a successful financial advisor. That was a definite loss for the profession. He was a family man and a good friend and will be missed by all.
Martin Pressman, DPM
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B
RE: The Passing of Bennett Zier, MD
I am sorry to hear about Dr. Bennett Zier’s passing. As a student in San Francisco, I had the chance to learn from him and also saw his care firsthand as a patient. He was a steady, thoughtful physician and a dedicated teacher who had a real impact on many of us in podiatric medicine. I’m grateful for what he taught and the example he set. My condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him.
Philip Radovic, DPM
02/19/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Lorne Alec Zielaskowski, DPM
Lorne Alec Zielaskowski, DPM, 55, of Alpena passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center – Alpena. Lorne earned his podiatric medical degree at the Kent State University College Of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Lorne Zielaskowski |
Lorne co-owned and operated Northern Foot and Ankle for 20 years until his retirement in 2022. He enjoyed golfing, NASCAR, football, and was a huge U of M fan.
Source: True North Radio Network [2/16/26]
