10/30/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am so sorry to hear about Irwin (Irv) Mann's death. Dr. Mann (Irv) was an attending at Northlake Community Hospital when I was a resident in 1970. He left a permanent impact on me with his infectious smile and willingness to help the residents in any way he could. When asked how he was doing, he always responded with "PERFECT", a response I admit to this day, I stole from him.
I only learned later that his life was anything but "perfect". He just didn't want to burden anyone else with his problems. He practiced near me in the '70s in the Chicago Western suburbs and we became close friends. He was an inspiration to me and others and will be sorely missed. RIP, Irv.
Rich Polisner, DPM, MJ, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl.
10/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Irwin Mann, DPM. He was the residency director at Kern Hospital during my time there as a resident in the 1970s. I will never forget the time they staged a simulated "code blue" in the middle of the night. I happened to be the junior resident on call.
I had a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach, heart racing, and a cold sweat on my forehead when I ran into the patient room, only to find Dr. Mann and a couple others standing there waiting to grill me on what to do to save the patient's life. That moment was the first time I ever felt like a real doctor.
Rest in peace Dr. Mann.
Stefan Feldman, Spring Hill, TN
10/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
Dr. Irwin Mann was an old friend who helped promote podiatry and teach foot surgery as a past resident of Kern Hospital and its residency program in the early 1960-1980s. The profession can only thank him and the early podiatrists who went out of their way to teach foot surgery. He will be missed.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Irwin Mann. He was a mentor to dozens of us and strongly influenced me to apply for a residency at Civic Hospital.
He was a force for good in podiatry. May his memory be a blessing.
Joel Feder, DPM, (Retired), Sarasota FL
10/28/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
Dr. Irwin (Doc) Mann passed away of pancreatic cancer at 84 years of age on June 19, 2025. One of the highlights of his childhood was playing in the Little League World Series. He went on to graduate from the Illinois College of Podiatry in 1964.
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Dr. Irwin Mann |
As a board certified podiatrist and surgeon, he owned private practices, was on staff at Kern Hospital, and taught podiatric medicine and surgery in both Iowa and Michigan.
Source: legacy.com
10/27/2025
OBITUARIES
The Passing of Thomas S. Henry, DPM
Dr. Thomas S. Henry, of Shawnee, OK, passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. He was 83. Tom was a podiatrist and a member of the Oklahoma Podiatric Medical Association (OKPMA).
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Dr. Thomas Henry |
He loved being outdoors and was known for tanning his own hides and making his own guns. He was a member of the Cross Timbers Muzzleloading Club. Tom was also a member of the Lion’s Club, the Jaycees, and the Pottawatomie County Historical Society, where he served many years as the treasurer.
Source: Highland County Press [10/23/25]
10/24/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of James D. Heddens, DPM
James D. Heddens, DPM, podiatrist emeritus, crossed from this life to new life at the active age of 88 on October 14 in the beautiful Iowa River Hospice house surrounded by his children. Jim was a pioneer in the early 1960s, the first podiatrist in Iowa to secure hospital surgical privileges in Davenport, Nevada, Marshalltown, Pella, and Newton.
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Dr. James Heddens |
His determination opened the door for many podiatrists across the state to perform foot and ankle surgery in local hospitals. He later served as president of the Iowa Podiatric Medical Association, two terms on the Podiatry Examining Board, and many years in peer review. Throughout the 1980s and ’90s he sponsored numerous podiatric preceptorships, equipping new doctors to succeed and serve Iowans with excellence.
Source: Times-Republican [10/22/25]
10/21/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Walter Suber, DPM
Dr. Walter John Suber, 90, went home to be with Jesus on October 13, 2025, at his home in Summerton, South Carolina. He served as a United States Marine during the Korean War. Dr. Suber graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and moved to Florence, SC.
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Dr. Walter Suber |
During the 1960s, he was director of the Florence Junior Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Florence Lion's Club. In 1964, he was recipient of the coveted Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award. He served for many years as president of the South Carolina Podiatric Medical Association. In 1979, Governor Richard Riley appointed Dr. Suber to the State Board of Podiatry Examiners.
Source: Legacy.com
10/16/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Joan McGough, DPM
Dominican Sister of Peace, Sister Joan (Sr. John Marie) McGough died at Mohun Health Care Center, Columbus, OH on October 10, 2025. Sister Joan was a registered nurse at Braddock General Hospital before she entered the Dominican Sisters. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Ohio Dominican College (now Ohio Dominican University) and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. She served in healing ministries as a nurse and as a podiatrist in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio.
Source: Legacy.com
10/02/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Andrew Lindekugel, DPM
We are heartbroken to share that Benefis podiatric surgeon Dr. Andrew Lindekugel, 45, has passed away unexpectedly after a struggle with depression. He was loved by his patients and colleagues at Benefis, and our hearts go out to everyone who cared about him. He will be so missed.
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Dr. Andrew Lindekugel |
Dr. Lindekugel improved the mobility - and lives - of many patients at the Benefis Foot and Ankle Clinic of Montana. He joined Benefis in 2020 and was part of our community since 2017, specializing in podiatric surgery, peripheral nerve repair, clubfoot correction, and wound care with more than 15,000 visits during his time here.
Source: Benefis Health System [9/25/25]
09/23/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Gordon Allan Miller, DPM
Dr. Gordon Allan Miller, 62, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025. Gordon was a passionate and dedicated podiatrist and surgeon for over 30 years in Morgantown, WV. He was a graduate of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Gordon Miller |
Originally from Keyser, Gordon will be best remembered for his smile, love of life, wisdom, and his heart of gold that he shared with his family and many friends.
Source: The Dominion Post [9/20/25]
09/22/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Jeremy Scott Moran, DPM
Dr. Jeremy Scott Moran of Tomball, Texas passed away suddenly on August 29, 2025 at the age of 52.
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Dr. Jeremy Moran |
He earned his medical degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine and built a practice known for his patient-centered care and treated his office staff like family.
Source: Klein Funeral Home
09/20/2025
OBITUARIES
The Passing of Paul Rex Beardsley, DPM
Paul Beardsley, 93, a retired podiatrist and longtime owner of the Sweet Shop, passed away on Monday leaving a significant void in the community. Dr. Beardsley graduated as valedictorian at he Chicago College of Chiropody, now known as the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Paul Beardsley |
Dr. Beardsley and his wife Helen bought the Sweet Shop in 1982, where he became known for greeting customers with a smile and a tray of freshly made treats. Friends and employees recalled his kindness, generosity and passion for people, saying he made everyone feel seen and heard.
Source: Jacob Johnson, Cadillac News [9/18/25]
09/18/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of James "Jim" White Kitting, DPM
Dr. James “Jim” White Kitting, 93, of Morganton, NC transitioned peacefully to his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. He served in the U.S.Air Force and was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada, and served as a military radio operator during the Korean War.
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Dr. James Kitting |
He later went on to pursue a career in podiatry, attending Bucknell University and completing his medical training at Ohio College of Podiatry. Dr. Jim practiced podiatry for 49 years in Mifflin County, caring for his patients with compassion and joy. Whether in his office, on house calls, or visiting patients in nursing homes, he loved his work and especially the people he treated.
Source: Lewiston Sentinel [9/15/25]
09/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of one of my ex-residents. I have graduated scores of residents through the years. Some of them stand out more than others. Russell was one of those residents who will be remembered for his kind nature and his graciousness. He was a man who never had a bad word to say anybody and always had a smile on his face. My sincere condolences to his family. Rest in peace Russell.
Steven Spinner, DPM
09/13/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Russell Wade Oliver, DPM
Dr. Russell Wade Oliver, 64, passed away on September 9, 2025. Dr. Oliver graduated form the Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine. He completed a surgical residency at the Florida Medical Center in south Florida in 1998.
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Dr. Russell Oliver |
Dr. Oliver was board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, and was a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He practiced in Shelbyville, TN.
Source: Feldhaus Memorial Chapel
09/08/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Robert Eckles. I had the pleasure of working with him at NYCPM for many years. Bob took over my job as Dean of clinical education. He will be remembered for his intelligence, superior understanding of bio mechanics and his caring for patients. My condolences to his family and all the hundreds of students he impacted.
Terry L. Spilken, DPM
09/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
I was fortunate enough to spend time with Terry Lichty in my senior year at ICPM. He was very generous with his time as he tutored me in his office and at the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet. With his leadership, I and several of my classmates were able to perform more procedures than most people did in a year of residency. I fondly remember the dinners that we enjoyed after our rotation at the penitentiary. RIP Terry.
Michael DiGiacomo, DPM
09/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Dr. Eckles was truly an exemplary individual and a devoted educator who consistently strived for the betterment of his students and residents. His kindness was truly exceptional, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
Reem Sheikh, DPM
Dr. Trepal has well-expressed the impact Dr. Robert Eckles had on NYCPM and the profession. As a close friend of mine, I will add that Bob’s loss is the world’s as well. When Bob first arrived at NYCPM, we worked side-by-side in clinic and I came to know him very well. I immediately appreciated his teaching style with our 3rd year students: knowledgeable, patient, and humorous. As we became friends, I also enjoyed and respected his well-roundedness. As we discussed topics as diverse as neurologist Oliver Sacks and the movie Koyaanisqatsi, I always walked away feeling Bob was more than a teacher and podiatrist. He was a humanist and freethinker in the best sense.
As deans, I got to know him as a true leader. He was always reflective, diplomatic, and succinct. He was one who got the job done in the most effective way, with the least amount of fuss. Always clear-thinking and on-target, Bob was an asset on any project or interaction. As a friend, I got to know his family: Jeanne, Maude (Frances), and Freeman. My heart goes out to them but I'm comforted that they were able to be with Bob near the end. As similar free-spirits, I know they will carry on Bob’s incredible zest for life.
Dr. Eckles leaves a legacy of students and residents who no doubt are aware of how well he trained them and how much he cared about them, all while being approachable on a personal level. Anyone who knows him, knows beer was his relaxation drink of choice. Bob wouldn’t want anyone to mourn his loss but rather celebrate his life, so at this sad time, raise a glass to a truly one-of-a-kind person. I will miss my friend dearly.
Laurence J. Lowy, DPM
09/04/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
The T-Screw, the ultimate compression screw. A great invention by TK Lichty, DPM. It was an honor to be one of his residents.
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The T Screw |
I'll always consider T as one of the greatest teachers in podiatric medicine.
Jeff Pellersels, DPM
09/04/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Robert Arthur Eckles, DPM, MPH
It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Bob Eckles following an acute and serious illness. Upon his arrival at NYCPM in 2003, Bob quickly established himself as a popular professor and noted clinician in the Department of Orthopedic Sciences. His command of the subject area and his ability to explain in comprehensible terms allowed him to train generations of students and residents. Bob's administrative skills were put to good use in his later roles of Dean for Clinical Education, Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and Residency Director.
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Dr. Robert Eckles |
Upon his retirement from NYCPM in 2021, he returned to where he had lived in New Zealand and remained active in education and the biomechanical arena. NYCPM and the entire podiatric profession have been blessed through the efforts and contributions of Dr. Eckles. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jeanne and two children, Frances and Freeman. May he rest in peace.
Michael J Trepal, DPM, Dean, NYCPM at Touro University
09/03/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am so disappointed to learn of Terry's death. He was one year in front of me at the old Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine on Clark Street. Terry was the consummate gentleman. His quiet disarming demeanor won favor with all who knew him. He was a common sense guy who made clear common sense arguments on surgical controversies that were often tough to defeat. Terry was easy to be around and truly represented the best of the profession.
Harold W Vogler, DPM
09/02/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Terry Kent Lichty, DPM
Dr. Terry Kent Lichty, 87, of Waterloo, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls, IA. Terry honorably served in the Navy where is got his GED. Terry earned his Doctorate from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1971.
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Dr. Terry Lichty |
He practiced in Joliet, Illinois, and taught biomechanics at the college. Terry moved back to Iowa in 1976 Iowa where he joined the practice of Northeast Iowa Podiatry.
Source: Locke Funeral Services
08/25/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Aaron Solomon, DPM
I am saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Shaw. Like many in our profession, the suddenness of the tragic circumstances of his death have left me in stunned disbelief. It has been over 20 years since I finished my residency in Atlanta. I had the privilege of learning under several attending physicians; including Drs. Shaw, Doug Elleby, and Mark Light who recently shared some of his thoughts on Dr. Shaw's passing a few days ago. It was a demanding year, but an incredible learning experience. What I learned from Dr. Shaw guides me in the OR and the office to this day.
Not only was he a skilled surgeon and knowledgeable teacher, he was a fearless advocate for our profession. As the fight for parity continues to this day, he was one of the first to help to knock down the walls of professional discrimination; fighting these battles in the courts to challenge discriminatory hospital by-laws. His contributions to the education include his time with the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, where he served as ACFAS president in 1992. Beyond medicine and surgery, he was an avid fly fisherman, and he often spoke of his love of fishing and Montana. My condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. Our profession has lost a great teacher and physician, and I have lost a mentor.
Aaron Solomon, DPM, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
08/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Alan Shaw, DPM
I have been having a difficult time processing the accidental death of Alan Shaw who was a very special long-time friend and colleague. I had known Alan since he began podiatry school in San Francisco, and then he followed me in our residency at Highland General Hospital in Oakland, California. Then through the years, we served on many APMA committes together. About 30 years ago, Alan introduced me to the art of flyfishing which I will cherish forever. During those 30 years, I would travel to the Bighorn River on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana every year for 5 days of flyfishing.
Some years, I would make several trips to fish with him. Whenever I fished a California river, I made the guide understand that we would be flyfishing, not bait fishing. He was devoted to all causes related to preservation of our rivers and helping with the lives of the Crow Indians. He will be greatly missed but I know that he was the happiest when fishing for the large rainbows on the Bighorn.
Josh Gerbert, DPM, Kamuela, HI
08/21/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Lawrence Pigula, DPM
Lawrence Pigula, DPM of Somerset died peacefully at home with his family by his side on Sunday, August 17th. He was a week shy of his 99th birthday. Born in Paterson, Dr. Pigula resided in Newton, NJ for most of his life, moving to Somerset, NJ 18 years ago.
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Dr. Lawrence Pigula |
Dr. Pigula received his medical degree in podiatry in 1951 from the Illinois College of Podiatry. He was in private practice for 35 years, in Newton, NJ , retiring in 1989. He was a member of Temple Beth El, Somerset for many years. Larry participated in hundreds of Bridge tournaments all over the world, achieving the rank of Gold Life Master.
Source: Legacy.com
