Richard Harvey Heckman
It is what it is. Small words to live by, but meaningful to the life’s journey of
Rick Heckman. He used this mantra to enjoy and carry him through every moment of his life. These words carried him through moves around the country dictated by the US Navy, a lifelong career as an air traffic controller followed by government consulting, his only child not
only leaving the nest but moving abroad, and then
multiple diagnoses starting at the age of 47 and finally the last 25 days of his life, where he changed his motto to “f* it and enjoy”, and in those last 25 days, he was able to do just that.
Richard "Rick" Heckman, 60, of North Wales, PA, passed away on August 12, 2021, at home and surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Laura Heckman (Love), of North Wales, PA, his loving and favorite daughter, Jessie Love Heckman (Frode Kjersem) of Philadelphia, PA, mother-in-law, Mildred M. Love, who resided with him, and his dear feline babies, Penny, Chloe, and Winnie.
In addition, his loving parents Harvey and Janet Heckman of Allentown, PA, brothers Alan Heckman (Bonnie) of St. Mary’s, Ga, Rodney Heckman (Sue) of Allentown, PA, sister Julie Griffard (Joe) of Houston, TX, many nieces, and nephews that he loved, along with longtime friends, and colleagues throughout the country that meant so very much to him.
He is preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Heckman.
Rick was a 1979 graduate of Catasauqua High School in Allentown, PA. He served in the US Navy, from 1979 -1989, rising to the rank of E6, as an AC1. During his enlistment, he was stationed throughout the world and was honored as Sailor of the Quarter, followed by Sailor of the Year on the USS Eisenhower. He proudly served during the Cold War and was deployed during the Persian Gulf Conflict. As with everything, he enjoyed his time in the military and used it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
He met his wife, Laura Love Heckman, at Air Traffic School in Millington, Tennessee in 1982, and soon after married in Key West, Florida, just celebrating 38 years of marriage this year. Like everything, Rick embodied his motto and took the same “it is what it is” approach to marriage, which meant listening and acting on every crazy idea Laura had, cleverly earning them the nickname “the Hectic-man’s” for the sheer amount of things they were able to accomplish in a small amount of time. From home renovations on their beloved 250 year old farmhouse to finding time to golf after working 36 out of the past 48 hours to rotating shifts to ensure their daughter, Jess, had the ideal childhood.
He worked at Philadelphia ATC for more than 23 years, before retiring, and finding his ultimate career opportunity in working for Regulus. He led the Surveillance and Broadcast Services program where his efforts led to world class improvements and safety enhancements to the systems used globally for daily air traffic. In the words of his boss, Regulus partner (and good friend),
Robert Pomrinck “Rick was the quintessential ATC specialist. He was sought after by everyone across the FAA and contractor community for his expertise on new systems and capabilities. His knowledge and expertise was top notch and he was constantly learning and adapting technology to enhance ATC operations. He truly changed the world for the betterment of the aviation community”.
He enjoyed traveling with his family, friends, and colleagues, working together, and enjoying great food and a dry, dirty martini and a great big smile. When confronted with the devastating news that he had weeks to live, he embraced “It is what it is” and he did everything possible to help his friends and family find peace with it. In those last 25 days, he won a $1500 jackpot (and paid the taxes!) in Atlantic City, NJ, and visited his beloved Key West (on a private jet), and surrounded
himself with his family and dearest friends. Despite a vastly too short life, it was one lived well.
In 2017, forever marked as Lungsgiving for our family, he was gifted a single right lung transplant at Temple Lung Center, and his family is forever grateful for the extra time he was given. To complete the circle, Rick donated his body back to Temple Medical School, feeling that there is no better way to pay respect to their work, than to allow his body help future physicians learn.
Rick was deeply loved and will be forever missed. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Richard Heckman to Temple Lung Center. Donation Link: https://www.templehealth.org/services/
lung/about/giving-to-temple-lung-center
His final request to everyone was to do your part to protect people like him (cancer patients, lung patients, those immunocompromised). Get vaccinated, wear a mask and continue to look out for your community so we can all have full lives.
There will be a celebration of Rick’s life for family & friends on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at the Heckman Farmhouse. More information will be distributed at a later date.