Stephen A. Heller ’61

Steve died Jan. 29, 2023, of kidney failure. Born in Newark, N.J., he came to us from Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J. A cum laude biology major, he was in the Orange Key, the Pre-Med and bridge clubs, and the Campus Fund Drive. He ate at Elm Club and roomed with Mike Miles, Dave Fisher, and Ken Moyle, with whom he remained in touch over the years.

After earning a medical degree at New York University and serving OB-GYN residencies at University Hospital and Bellevue Hospital, and having joined the Navy Reserve, he served on active duty as a lieutenant commander from 1970-72 at Guantánamo Bay in Cuba, the sole OB-GYN there. He, his wife, Suzanne, and sons then relocated to the state of Washington, his home for the rest of his life. He entered into practice at Valley General Hospital in Renton, Wash., with Dr. John Hodgers, whom he had met at Guantanamo Bay. Lifelong friends, they practiced together for 24 years. 

Steve is survived by his wife of 55 years, Suzanne; sons Geoffrey, Mark, and Jonathan and their families; one granddaughter; and sister Lois Martin.