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01/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of John Bergmann, DPM
I am deeply saddened to have learned of the passing of Dr. John Bergmann. He was the second-generation owner of Bergmann Orthotic Laboratory. John was not just a colleague but a friend for close to 40 years. He spent countless hours helping so many of us with difficult biomechanical cases. He fully gave all of us his time and expertise so that we could do the best for our patients.
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Dr. John Bergmann |
John was a real mensch. Whenever I had medical or even personal issues, he was there for me. He never would say, “ I am too busy to be with you in your hour of need.” He was a real people person. In the forty years of our friendship, never did I hear a bad word about anyone come out of his mouth. Even if he had professional disagreements with other biomechanical gurus, he might have disagreed, but would never ever make it personal.
During the last few months of his illness, many of us tried to reach out to him but he did not want his dire problems to be a burden to any of his friends and colleagues. He only accepted our prayers. May his family be comforted, and may his memory be a blessing for all of us.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
Other messages in this thread:
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
I recognize that I am advancing in age when my friends depart this world and leave behind their loved ones. John Bergmann was a biomechanical prodigy and a devoted family man. I have utilized his laboratory for 43 years, with returns less than 1% for adjustments. His demeanor and guidance enabled the production of a wide range of orthotics. His family business will continue to thrive with the expertise imparted by his father and the tutelage provided to his children.
Nancy, his wife who collaborated with him, will remain to oversee this remarkable podiatric company. Having dedicated countless weekends to fulfilling prescriptions, he is now in a position to finally relax and witness the next generation’s achievements. It was an honor and a privilege to know him as a person and a friend.
Ian S. Goldbaum, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
It was with great sadness that I learned of his passing. He was a second-generation podiatrist who loved the profession. At great cost to his lab, he developed the first office-based optical scanner for podiatrists. In 1989, I purchased the 9th machine (in the world) from him for the price of a new car. I flew to Chicago and spent several days with him. He was a most pleasant gentleman.
It was a great machine and accurate. Years ahead of its time! Still, having been trained in California, I was very good with plaster and I was not using the machine much. He called me and said he saw that I was not using the technology much and offered to buy back the machine without me even asking him. The profession will miss him.
Jack Reingold, DPM
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Podiatry has lost one of its greatest doctors. Dr. John Bergmann and his orthotic laboratory and its innovations will be greatly missed. He was an old friend for many of us that are still around. My condolences to his family and may his energies in orthopedic footwear and orthotics be a continued direction for orthotics and its continued success in treatment.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I first met John when he was about 5 or 6 years old when I was in high school and worked a summer job for his father Dr. Carl Bergman in his laboratory in Chicago at 1327 North Clark Street. His father was responsible for encouraging me to follow a career in podiatry. To this day, I have only fond memories of those times and am still enjoying pursuing my professional career.
Bill Beaton, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL
12/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Stefan Feldman, DPM
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Stephen Wittenberg, DPM. I had the good fortune of spending a few months with him in his office following podiatry school graduation and the start of my residency. He was a charming, soft spoken man, and a good friend to both my father and me. I learned a lot about office management and communicating with patients, something not taught in school. May his memory be a blessing.
Stefan Feldman, DPM, Spring Hill, TN
11/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
It is very sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Denno. He was a true leader at the Scholl College, and for many of us, our first exposure to the clinical aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. He was an impassioned educator who took tremendous pride in teaching future physicians. He was humble beyond reproach, and his multitude of pearls and tips from decades of practice were invaluable. His lessons were timeless, both with regards to being a clinician, as well as how to carry oneself as a professional. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Arush Angirasa, DPM, Austin, TX
11/26/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I'm sorry to report the passing of Kevin Moran, DPM of Westminster, MA on 11/3/2025. Kevin was a professional colleague, friend, devoted family man, and an outstanding podiatrist. Most of all a true gentleman, and someone to be admired.
A graduate of Assumption College, ICPM, he was active in professional practice for 32 years prior to retirement from Fallon Clinic in Worcester MA. Kevin was a member of the APMA, and the Massachusetts Podiatric Medical Society serving as its president in 1992. Kevin also was a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
David Kaufmann, DPM
11/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
When I was in my last year at Scholl’s, I became pregnant with my 3rd child. The policy at that time was that for each day of clinics missed, you needed to pick up 3 days. Knowing I would need to take some time off (2 weeks), I wanted to work extra shifts prior to having the child. Many of the clinicians and administrators resisted this idea. Dr. Denno, who was clinic chair, championed my cause so I was able to graduate with my class.
In the Army, he had performed many trauma surgeries, including repair of mine injuries that extended well above the ankle. I found out from a local orthopedic surgeon that Dr. Denno had been his superior in the army but Dr. Denno never flaunted his skills or achievements. He was a kind and wonderful teacher and I will always be grateful for his support.
Kathleen Neuhoff, DPM
11/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
While Dr. Denno was stationed at Ft. Sill in Oklahoma, he called me to come up and see an x-ray he had just taken. I drove the hour north. We were both at a loss to explain what we saw. The radiograph was an AP of both feet showing SEVEN metatarsals at each foot.
Gordy was a kind, dedicated, and excellent podiatric physician. He will be greatly missed.
Peter Harvey, DPM
11/08/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Althea Belinda Finley
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Althea Finley, 64. Althea worked for the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) for over 32 years. As past President of the Harbor and Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Associations as well as heading the Insurance and Patient Relations South for CPMA, I had many opportunities to interact with her.
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Althea Finley |
I looked forward to her beautiful smile and warm greeting at the Western. Rest in Peace Althea.
Ira Cohen, DPM
11/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: George F. Jacobson, DPM
It's an honor to remember our professors, colleagues, and classmates. They are scattered throughout the country and many times we would not know or honor them. Although sad at times, thank you for keeping us informed. I'm sure if PM News had a survey on whether to continue this tradition, it would be overwhelmingly affirmative.
George F. Jacobson, DPM
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
I’m so glad to see your response to the podiatrist questioning the need to post obituaries in PM News. First of all, I give you credit for taking the high road in your explanation. I’m not sure I’d have that “self-control” if it were me responding!
Our profession is comprised of many who are friends, colleagues, fellow classmates, and residents living around the world. While we may not be in contact with them on a regular basis, it is an appreciated service of PM News to share the passing of our fellow podiatrists so that we might reach out to family and offer our condolences.
While we may be professionals to our community, we are all human beings who deserve recognition of our accomplishments in our lives and our passing at the end of life. I sincerely hope this newsletter continues to do both. Celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow podiatrists and give them a final farewell from all who knew them and cared for them.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Ira Cohen, DPM, Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
I respectfully disagree with Dr. Robert Gottlieb's characterization of the reporting as an obsession and a regularly reported headline. As a retiree, I find it informative to find out about the passing of colleagues whom otherwise I would not have known about. Occasionally, there is a classmate or someone I trained with or I trained. On a few occasions, I was able to send condolences to the family. Thank you and continue to post these.
Ira Cohen, DPM
Thank you, Dr. Block for printing obituaries sent to you. Unless passings are in the same city, there is little chance of learning that someone we knew in school or residency has passed on. The schools are not in the business of informing alumni of deaths.
It’s a wonderful tradition and a fine service to the profession. We easily lose contact with those podiatrists we swore we would stay in touch with when we graduated. It gives readers an opportunity and excuse to call members of a study group or fraternity to touch base again after all these years. And then we promise to stay in touch again until we read another familiar obituary. Maybe Dr. Gottlieb hasn’t been through many of those Schadenfreude moments. I’m grateful to you for printing the obituaries and the thoughtful podiatrists around the country who are kind enough to take the minute needed to send the notice to PM News.
Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Bruce Blank, DPM, Jerry Peterson, DPM, Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
I absolutely agree with Dr. Barry Block. Publishing obituaries of DPMs in PM News is important for all the reasons cited by Dr. Block. It is also a sign of respect and appreciation for those who are part of our special family and for those who have fought many of the battles on behalf of our profession.
Bruce Blank, DPM
I agree with PM News. Keep reporting the obits. Every so often, it is a classmate like Don Grim who I knew from school at ICPM and from practicing in the northwest like me. It is always nice to recognize their life and contributions to podiatric medicine.
Jerry Peterson, DPM
I would like to commend Dr. Barry Block for including the obituary information about our brother podiatrists in the PM News. First, it is in homage to each and every one who practices in our profession and Barry is correct - what is written in responses is very telling. I read each one of them carefully and reminisce on what that person contributed in their lifetime. Again, keep up the great work Barry.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
11/04/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: Obituaries in PM News
From: Robert Gottlieb, DPM
There seems to be an obsession with reporting the passing away of a podiatrist in just about every issue. With nearly 20,000 practitioners, doctors passing away will be a regular event. Does death really have to be a reported headline article regularly? I think not. I think this type of routine coverage of obituaries is way overdone. Perhaps just publish all those passing away on a monthly basis, in a separate writing.
Robert Gottlieb, DPM, Oyster Bay, NY
Editor's Comment: PM News believes that the every podiatrist's memory needs to be recognized. This 31-year tradition informs classmates, colleagues, and the entire podiatric community of our collective loss. PM News readers often respond with insights about the descendant that would otherwise go untold.
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
10/02/2025
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]
09/15/2025
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
09/08/2025
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
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