SYRACUSE – David L. Heckaman, 72, of Syracuse, passed away May 21, 2012, in I.U. Health Goshen Hospital.
He was born Nov. 28, 1939, in South Bend, to Loren and Edna Lentz Heckaman. On Oct. 20, 1962, he married Constance Sudlow, who survives.
He graduated from Bremen High School, and while there was a drum major in the marching band. He attended Purdue University, Fort Wayne, earning his associate’s degree in electrical engineering. He was a member of the Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing out of Fort Wayne’s Baer Field, serving as an air traffic controller. Upon moving to Syracuse, he worked for Sudlow’s Pier Shop. He and his wife purchased the business in 1979 from where he eventually retired as the CEO. He enjoyed photography and had taken many pictures. He especially enjoyed the Mute Swans. He and others helped prevent the elimination of the swans in our area. He served on the board of directors of the City of Milwaukee at Manastee, Mich., which is a car ferry that is listed on the national registry. He spent vacations at Manastee. He built a home on the shore of Lake Michigan some 35 years ago.
Also surviving are a son, John (and spouse Kelly) Heckaman, Syracuse; a daughter-in-law, Dawn Heckaman; grandchildren: Caitlin, Alec and Jamsey; and his mother-in-law, Anna Sudlow, Syracuse. He was preceded in death by a son, Rex; a brother, Dr. Edward Heckaman; and his parents.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Eastlund Funeral Home, 7458 E. CR 1000N, Syracuse, with lifelong friend, Larry Van Gilder, officiating. Burial will be in McClintic Cemetery, Syracuse.
Calling is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. ***** Memorials may be made to Turkey Creek EMS & Fire departments.
Condolences may be sent via eastlundfuneralhome.com
