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
08/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Alan Shaw, DPM
I would like to share some comments regarding the passing of Alan Shaw. He and Doug Elleby gave me, along with many others, my first job in the Atlanta metropolitan area. He was involved in the leadership of the American College of Foot and Ankle surgeons, and his relationship with Gary Kaplan, who was involved in my residency program led me to this opportunity. Working in this practice taught me how to practice podiatry and manage the business of running a podiatry practice. This gave me the confidence and skills needed when it came time for me to run my solo practice.
Alan was instrumental in getting privileges in hospitals in Georgia by suing the local hospital that was denying him staff privileges. The change in the law from this suit benefited every podiatrist in the state from his actions. He was an innovator in managed care when HMOs or capitated plans became prevalent, by creating networks of doctors to participate in, and managing these plans. He moved to Montana when he retired to pursue his passion of skiing and fishing. He passed while doing one of the things he most loved doing. I am forever grateful for the opportunity he provided to me and the countless other doctors in Georgia.
Mark Light, DPM, Marietta, GA
08/19/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Robert M. Ritchey, DPM
Rob did not want an obituary. He did not want a memorial. However, I have come to the realization that I need to share the extraordinary impact of my husband's presence on this earth. His artwork was on par with even the most skilled masters.
Having a life long fascination with human behavior, Rob wrote novels reflecting this genre. In his words, "From Purple Mountain Majesty to the Krebs cycle, it is all a beautiful dance. The universe must have danced with joy when reuniting with your indomitable energy, my darling. You are loved and will be deeply missed."
Source: Cape Cod Times
08/16/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Alan Shaw, DPM (Gary Dorfman, DPM)
When I heard about Alan’s passing, it gave me great pause. Our relationship goes back to CCPM and then he followed as a resident at Highland hospital in Oakland California. We kept in touch over the years and he was planning to stay with us in Sun Valley and fish Silver Creek with me on his way to visit his kids and grandchildren on the West Coast in September.
Sure, he was a wonderful physician and surgeon, but more importantly, Alan was a mensch. A good man in every respect. He died doing what he loved and that was fly fishing the rivers of Montana. To his wife Marilyn, adult kids, grandchildren, and all that had the gift of knowing him: May Alan’s memory be a blessing.
Alan was a podiatric Teddy Roosevelt. While he was one of the most driven and motivated professionals, his passion was always for America’s public lands and waters, and the experiences they afforded everyone. He spent decades committed to their preservation and working to improve the lives of the communities closest to them. He devoted countless volunteer hours with the Sierra Club, served on the Yellowstone Association board which focuses on the preservation and education of Yellowstone National Park, was a driving force behind the Upper Missouri Watershed Alliance’s mission, chaired the Fort Smith Water and Sewer District, and was a tremendous partner to the Bighorn River Alliance and tribal communities. RIP my friend.
Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM, Ketchum, ID
08/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
Brett was someone who was always trustworthy, someone who could be depended on, someone who made work feel more human. May we remember him with love because our lives have become richer and more meaningful for having known him. His memory lives on with his amazing wife Mary Ann and loving family, the community he uplifted, and the countless lives he touched.
ζω? σε σας, may his memory be forever eternal!
Zacharia Facaros, DPM
08/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Alan Shaw, DPM
I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Alan Shaw, DPM, a Past President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, an icon in our profession.
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Dr. Alan Shaw |
When we speak of the podiatrists upon whose shoulders we stand in the advancing of podiatric surgery, Alan will be remembered by his peers as a surgeon of immense talent, an innovator, an educator, and a podiatrist dedicated to the advancement of podiatry's standing within the practice of medicine.
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
08/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Brett Allan Chicko, DPM
Dr. Chicko, Class of 2001 at TUSPM, always had a smile on his face—never a bad word to say. He had the best laugh and was truly a gentle giant. From the moment we met in podiatry school, he was a source of strength and encouragement. I still remember him taking me down to the gym, sharing his workout, and always cheering me on—both in and out of school. His life was cut far too short, but his energy, kindness, and spirit will live on in all of us who knew him. You will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Brett.
Khurram Khan, DPM
08/12/2025
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Robert M. Lipp, DPM
Dr. Robert M. Lipp, 83, of Lake Worth, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Wellington Medical Center.
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Dr. Robert Lipp |
Dr. Lipp graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1965 and practiced in New Jersey for over 50 years.
Source: Dignity Memorial
08/12/2025
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Brett Allan Chicko, DPM
Brett Allan Chicko, DPM, 58, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. Brett was a standout athlete as a wrestler and football player. He was inducted into the Norwell High School Athletics Hall of Fame.
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Dr. Brett Chicko |
In 1997, Dr. Chicko began his formal medical training at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2001. He went on to complete a three-year surgical residency at Crozer-Keystone Health Systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Dr. Chicko was board certified in both Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery.
Source: Compassionate Cremation Virginia
08/08/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Daryl Saferstein, DPM
Daryl J. Saferstein, a devoted family man, respected podiatrist, and cherished friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025 at the age of 80.
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Dr. Daryl Saferstein |
A graduate of the Ohio State University and the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, he practiced podiatry for 49 years, earning the admiration and trust of his patients and colleagues alike.
Source: Cleveland Jewish News [8/7/25]
08/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Robert J. Scardina, DPM
I was so saddened to hear of Rob Scardina’s passing. He was a wonderful representative of podiatric medicine everywhere he went. It was a real pleasure to have worked with him over the years and he will be sorely missed. RIP Rob.
Howard Dananberg, DPM, Stowe, VT
08/06/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Robert J. Scardina, DPM
Dr. Robert J. Scardina of Connecticut has passed away. Dr. Scardina earned his podiatic medical degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his medical and surgical residency at the New England Deaconess Hospital and a podiatric fellowship at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. Upon graduating, he became the assistant director of the podiatric residency program at the New England Deaconess Hospital.
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Dr. Robert Scardina |
Dr. Scardina went on to establish a podiatry service and residency program at the Massachusetts General Hospital where he became Chief of the Podiatry Service and Director of the podiatric residency program. He served in this position for 32 years.
Source: Legacy.com [8/4/25]
07/24/2025
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Kenneth L. Bradshaw, DPM
Dr. Kenneth L. Bradshaw, 81, of Clinton passed away July 7, 2025. He was surrounded and survived by his wife, Janice and her three children, Holly, Scott, and John. After graduating from the University of New Mexico and wanting to serve, he went off to Marine Corps OCS while his now brother-in-law, H.R., went to Naval flight training in Pensacola, Florida. Kenn was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in 1967 and went directly to Vietnam.
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Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw |
At the end of his service to the Marine Corps, he returned to the states. Once home, he recalled the severe foot problems he and other Marines developed and decided to become a Doctor of Podiatry. He graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and served his residency at the Leavenworth, Kansas V.A. hospital.
Source: The Clinton Daily Democrat [7/22/25]
