Dr. Harold K. Heckman

Dr. Harold K. Heckman , 87, of Bethlehem, known by friends and family as "Hal," passed away peacefully surrounded by family at St. Luke's Hospice House on January 7, 2025. Born May 25,1937 in Easton, Harold was the son of the late George H. and Lena E. (Klein) Heckman. Harold was lovingly cared for by his grandmother, Lillie M. Heckman. He was the husband of Patricia A. (Merola) Heckman. Harold and Patricia met at the age of 14 and celebrated their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary October 31, 2024. Patricia's parents, the late Samuel E. Merola and Elizabeth (Wunderly) Merola, carried a deep warmth for Harold.

A graduate of Nazareth Area High School in 1955, Harold played basketball and co-founded its first varsity tennis team.  Harold earned his B.S.E. in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University in 1959 where he was a member of the Court Club. In 1964, Harold earned his M.D. from the Temple University School of Medicine. Harold honorably served as a Captain in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970.

Harold enjoyed practicing as a Child Psychiatrist for nearly sixty years, most recently with Colonial Intermediate Unit #20 in Bethlehem. While Harold was deeply devoted to his profession, he also made time for family, collecting stamps, enjoying sporting events and his other passion, tennis. Harold was a member of the Northampton Country Club, the Nazareth Moravian Church and Allentown Philatelic Society.

In addition to his wife Patricia, Harold is survived by his son, Scott C. Heckman and his wife Georgine K. (Danyi) Heckman of Nazareth and his daughter, Kara E. and husband James C. Neunzig of Sherman, CT. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Meredith K. Heckman Eid and her husband, Pierre Eid, Lara G. Heckman, Elizabeth A. Neunzig, Gabrielle K. Neunzig, and Nicholas M. Neunzig.

Private Services were held at the convenience of the family. Harold was a lifelong pet owner and is survived by his beloved feline, Penelope, who was rescued 7 years ago. In the spirit of his love for animals (including watching the deer in his backyard), contributions may be made to the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center or Forgotten Felines, both in care of the Bartholomew-Schisler Funeral Home, 211 East Center Street, Nazareth PA 18064.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schislerfuneralhomes. com.