The Memorial Wall

Steve Zachary joined Jesus in Heaven on Christmas Day 2022 after a 7 year battle with Parkinson’s and 3 years with PD dementia. 

Steve was born in 1955 in Eugene, Oregon. He attended school in Springfield and Grants Pass, Oregon as well as in Alberta, Canada where his dad was attending Prairie Bible Institute.  Upon returning to the United States, his dad became pastor of a church in Madras, Oregon and Steve attended Madras High his last two years.  

Steve worked for Anderson Farms and in 1976 married the farmer’s daughter, Kathleen Anderson.  They were married for 46 years.  Steve worked various jobs in his life including farming and retail but his favorite jobs were men’s clothing buyer for Hatfield’s Department Stores and swathing for Warkentin Farms in Christmas Valley. Steve and Kathleen had 4 children and 18 grandchildren which were the light of his life.  

Steve loved teasing his nieces and nephews, water-skiing, playing basketball, and most of all spending time with his wife, kids, and grandkids, especially at hunting camp and at their winter home in Thousand Palms, CA. He traveled to Canada, El Salvador, and Mexico and spent a summer working at a Christian camp in Panama with Kathleen and the kids. Most of his grandchildren remember his ear pinches, trips to Dairy Queen in Madras, and encouragement to follow Jesus. 

In late 2015 Steve was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and in 2018 after having to retire from Madras Marine, he and Kathleen moved to Christmas Valley, Oregon while continuing to spend winters at their place in Thousand Palms, California.  Sadly, his Parkinson’s progressed rapidly followed by Parkinson’s dementia. In early December of 2022 he entered memory care in Redmond, Oregon but was only there for 16 days before he was transferred to Partners in Care Hospice House in Bend where he passed away. 

Steve is survived by the love of his life Kathleen, as well as his children and grandchildren.  He’s also survived by his mother, 5 siblings and many much loved nieces and nephews.

After a twelve-year battle with a progressive Parkinson's disease, Lydia finally succumbed on December 22, at home, surrounded by her three loving children; five loving granddaughters; her daughter-in-law and son-in-law.

Born on June 15, 1936, the daughter of Dr. Henry Lowey and Mrs. Rebecca (May) Lowey, Lydia grew up in St. Albans and Holliswood, Queens and attended P.S. 136, Andrew Jackson High School, Syracuse University and Finch College. She married, later divorced, and raised her three children in New Rochelle, New York.

Lydia loved to sing and act in summer stock and community theater in her younger years and later, was a dedicated teacher who took great pride in writing songs and poems for her nursery school students. She was also a skilled office building manager for Time Warner.

She was unfailingly kind and thoughtful. She was creative. Most of all, she loved and was adored by her family and many friends.

Lydia is survived by her children, Amy Auslander, Todd Auslander and Kimberly Englert; her grandchildren, Isabella Englert, Zoe Zambito, Hannah Auslander, Piper Englert, and Eliza Auslander; her daughter-in-law, Shawn Auslander, her sons-in-law, Timothy Englert and Joseph Zambito and her brother, Stephen Lowey and sister-in- law, Nita Lowey.

Dr. Lucien J. Côté of Tuxedo Park, a leading Parkinson’s disease specialist, died Wednesday, December 21st, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Joanne, and family. He was 94 years old. Lucien was born January 4th, 1928, in Angers, Quebec Canada, son of the late Yvonne (Scantland) and Gaston Coté,

Dr. Côté, Emeritus Professor of Neurology at the Columbia University Medical Center, was recognized for a career spanning 60 years, during which he has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to patient care and research.

Dr. Côté was honored by the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) in May 2014 with its Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.

He is known by patients and colleagues alike for taking his time to provide the best care for each patient, whether that means hour-long appointments or weekend phone calls. His approach benefited thousands, creating a loyal following of patients and families and leading to a genetics research program at Parkins Disease Foundation that is named in his honor.

“The most important thing I do as a doctor," Côté said in the foundation's press release announcing the award, "is to really take the time to listen.”

He has been at the forefront of Parkinson’s science and care since the 1960s and his contributions are the stuff of legend.”

He is survived by his wife Joanne at home in Tuxedo Park, NY; his son Paul Andrew Coté and his wife Marilyn of New York, NY; his daughter Gabrielle Crandall of Center Harbor, NH; his twin sister Yvette Lloyd of Louisville, KY; his brother Jean-Guy Coté of Enosburgh Falls, VT; and by his two grandsons: Thomas Crandall, and Brian Crandall.

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Millicent J. Carducci of Orlando, Florida, who passed away on December 20, 2022 at the age of 93. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Millicent J. Carducci to pay them a last tribute.

She was loved and cherished by many people including : her parents, Mildred Thomas and Harry Worth; her children, Christopher J. Carducci (LuAnn), Dr. Theresa J. Carducci (Walter Raleigh Whitehurst) of Mary, A. C, Hefka (Bruce Hefka), Dr. Michael A. Carducci (Mary Katherine), Victor G. Carducci, Alexander Thomas Jr. and Robert Philip; her grandchildren, Cristina, Charles, Alexander, Angela, Taylor, Patricia Jeanne, Austin, Claire, Amber, Jonathan and Emmanuel; her great grandchildren, Suzanne and John; and her husband Dr. Alexander Carducci.

Joseph William Heyer, 84, of West Chester, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, North Wales, Lansdale, and Boothwyn, PA passed away on Sunday, December 18th in Hospice Care at Main Line Health-Paoli Hospital after suffering numerous complications from Covid-19 and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. He died peacefully, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra (Jennings) Heyer.

Mr. Heyer was a dedicated husband, father, uncle, grandfather, educator, basketball coach, baseball coach, tennis enthusiast and avid gardener. He was also well-known in Philadelphia basketball circles as one of the city's all-time sharpshooters.

Joe is a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall-Of-Fame (City All-Star Chapter) as well as the North Penn High School Alumni Athletic Association Hall-Of-Fame and the St. Helena's School Hall of Fame. He was also given lifetime achievement citations by both the Markward Basketball Club of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Basketball Old-Timers Association. The Philadelphia Daily News named him to the Philadelphia Playground Legends Team of the 1950's.

As a player, Heyer enjoyed a decorated two-sport athletic career at La Salle College High School. On the hardwood he was the 1956 Philadelphia Sportswriters Catholic League Most Valuable Player and led the Catholic League in scoring, averaging 21.2 points-per-game. His 49 points against St. Thomas Moore broke the Catholic League scoring record, and it remains the LHS single-game record to this day. In the Explorers very next game he tallied 39 points against Father Judge. The two-game total of 88 points is believed to be the highest consecutive two-game scoring outburst in league history. The 49 points has only been topped one time in Catholic League history. He helped the Explorers capture the 1956 Catholic League regular season title. In the Catholic League playoffs, the Explorers advanced to the Championship game at the Palestra in both his junior and senior seasons. Following his senior campaign, he was named to the Gold Medal North-South All-Star Game in Murray, KY, hosted by George Mikan. Heyer led the East with 7 field goals in the game.

In addition to his basketball exploits, Heyer was a member of the LHS baseball team, which captured the 1955 Catholic League championship, defeating Olney High School at Connie Mack Stadium.

Heyer accepted an athletic scholarship to La Salle College, where he played basketball and baseball.

On the hardwood, Heyer continued his scoring exploits, breaking Tom Gola's school record with 17 field goals in a 35-point outburst against Lehigh in 1958. The mark also bettered the Palestra record of 15 field goals, previously held by Oscar Robertson. The 35 points was the Palestra's single-game high total for the '58'-'59 season, back when all members of the Big 5 played a large portion of their home games at the hallowed arena. The following season, Heyer's 31 points against Temple was the Palestra's single-game high total for the '59-'60 campaign. Other big scoring nights included 29 versus Bucknell, 29 against Muhlenberg, 28 on Albright, and 24 against Syracuse. "Jumpin' Joe" was known for his patented "Tip-Toe" jump shot which featured a quick release with little knee-bend. He got the inspiration for the shot after watching 2-time NCAA leading scorer Frank Selvy from Furman when they came to Philadelphia to play La Salle in 1954.

Heyer led the Explorers in scoring for the 1958-'59 season with a 17.2 average and became just the 4th Junior in school history to tally 400 points in a season. Following that campaign, he was named 1st Team All-Middle Atlantic Conference, 2nd Team All Big-Five and 2nd team Catholic All-American. During his 3-year playing career, the Explorers were ranked in the Associated Press Top 20, reaching a high of #14 during the '59- '60 campaign. Heyer finished his career with 928 points, which was the highest scoring total of any guard in school history, and it ranked #7 on the school career list at the time. He was also a member of the La Salle College varsity baseball team.

Heyer immediately entered the coaching ranks, accepting the Head Basketball and Baseball Coach positions at Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia. In three seasons with the Cardinals, his basketball teams advanced to the Catholic League Championship game all 3 years. He compiled an overall record of 50-20 (70%).

In the fall of 1963, Heyer returned to La Salle College, where he was named Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach, as well as Head Coach of the Freshman team. His 1963-'64 team was the Big 5 Freshman co-Champion.

Just days before beginning his 3rd season as an assistant for the varsity team, Explorers Head Coach Bob Walters announced he was stepping down due to health reasons. One day before the 1965 Explorers season-opener against Albright, Heyer was named the Varsity Head Coach. At just 27 years old, he was the youngest Division 1 head basketball coach in the country, and one of the youngest in history. It is worth noting he also remained the Freshman Coach and did not have a single assistant coach that year.

In his collegiate coaching debut, Heyer's Explorers defeated Albright. In a twist of irony, La Salle's Hubie Marshall, a 5'10" guard from Coatesville, PA touched the nets for 17 field goals, tying Heyer's school and Palestra record. Under Heyer's guidance, Marshall experienced a storied career at La Salle, averaging 27.0 points per game in '65-'66, and was later enshrined into the Big 5 Hall of Fame. In Heyer's first season, the team finished 10-15 but pulled off two of the most memorable upsets in Palestra history. One was defeating a Louisville team that featured future Hall of Fame center Wes Unseld. But the bigger upset came in the Quaker City Tournament, when the Explorers knocked off #6 (AP) Brigham Young, which was undefeated at the time, and went on to win that season's NIT Championship.

The 1966-67 was packed with high expectations due to the arrival of one of the top recruiting classes in Big 5 history. The class of newcomers featured future NBA players Larry Cannon, who had broken Wilt Chamberlain's career high school total, and Bernie Williams, a highly regarded guard from the legendary program of DeMatha High School in Baltimore. A tough road schedule to start the season, along the difficulty of blending highly regarded newcomers with upperclassmen proved to be a challenge early in Heyer's second season as the team struggled to stay near .500. However, the Explorers began to gain momentum as the season progressed. They defeated St. Joseph's to advance to the 1967 Middle Atlantic Championship Game, where the Explorers fell to Temple.

Heyer's team experienced a four-game improvement in the win column to finish with a 14-12 record for his second year at the helm. But despite having a year remaining on his head coaching contract, Heyer resigned his duties as head coach following the '66-'67 season. Heyer later cited philosophical differences with the university on the direction of the basketball program.

After leaving La Salle, Heyer spent a year living in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where one day on the beach he met his future wife, Sandra Jennings. He approached Ms. Jennings and asked her if she could please hold his car keys while he took a swim in the ocean. After completing his swim, she returned his keys safely to him and they decided to continue their conversation. Sandra gave him a birthday present by marrying him on his birthday, October 18, 1969. Their wedding song was the popular hit, "Sunny" by Bobby Hebb.

The young couple decided to settle in the Philadelphia suburbs and Heyer accepted a job teaching and coaching at the high school level. He was the head basketball coach at North Penn High School in Lansdale, PA from 1969-'90, compiling a record of 291-185. His teams captured 11 Holiday Tournament Championships, 6 Bux-Mont League regular season "Halves" titles, and the 1975 Bux-Mont League overall championship. His 1972 and '76 teams advanced to the District One quarterfinals at the Palestra. The '72 team holds the school record by going 12-0 to start the season, and the '77 team was the first in school history to win 20 games in the regular season. In addition to coaching basketball, he taught Social Studies at NPHS for 30 years. He received his M.S. in teaching from St. Joseph's University. He was a teacher at both Cardinal Dougherty and North Penn High Schools for a total of 38 years. He was an avid researcher on the JFK, RFK, MLK and Lincoln assassinations. Mr. Heyer was often a guest speaker on the topic to various community groups, and he also taught the subject matter at adult higher-learning courses.

The teaching profession provided him ample time in the summers to grow elaborate vegetable gardens in his North Wales, PA home. While he grew the typical staples of lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, radishes, peas, and eggplant, there was no vegetable he wouldn't give a try. Some of his more adventurous products included Swiss chard, watermelons, pumpkins, potatoes, and even mustard seed. This was in addition to the various fruit he grew including grapes, peaches, pears, apples, cherries, blueberries, blackberries and boysenberries.

While Heyer spent many years playing and coaching basketball, he had a passion for many other sports. His lifetime love of baseball began at age 3, when his photo appeared in a Philadelphia newspaper, after meeting Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio on the field at Shibe Park. DiMaggio autographed a baseball for the youngster. When Heyer later added the signature of Pete Rose to the same ball, he had his lifetime prize possession - autographs of both the American League and National League hitting streak record-holders (DiMaggio 56 and Rose 44). His passion for baseball also included being an avid follower of the Perkiomen Valley Twilight League in Montgomery County, PA. He made several trips with his kids and grandson to Cooperstown, NY to tour the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. His favorite team was the Philadelphia Athletics, and he used research and statistics to conclude that the 1929-'30 A's world champion teams were the greatest in MLB history. His most anguishing baseball memory was the Phillies collapse of 1964, and it took him decades to forgive Manager Gene Mauch for his handling of the starting pitching staff late in the season.

He was an avid tennis player and instructor, playing actively into his 70's, until his knees gave way. He also loved football, serving as the public address announcer for the North Penn High School football team for many years. He developed an appreciation for skateboarding when his son Todd pursued the activity very heavily. Mr. Heyer built his son a "half-pipe" in their Lansdale, PA backyard.

He spent his most recent years attending hundreds, if not thousands, of his grandchildren's and grand-nephew's concerts, competitions and sporting events.

Joe is the son of the late Elizabeth (Naas) Heyer and Joseph William Heyer, Sr. of Philadelphia. He is proceeded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Heyer Leahy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sandra (Jennings) Heyer and their four (4) children, Stephen Geiskopf, Robin (Geiskopf) Sachtleben, Joseph S. Heyer and Todd W. Heyer, along with eight (8) grandchildren: Tyler Sachtleben, Bethany Sachtleben, Keri Sachtleben, Graham Sachtleben, Jamie Sachtleben, Jacqueline Heyer, Brendan Heyer and Jackson Heyer, two (2) nephews, Timothy Leahy and Michael Leahy, and two (2) grand-nephews Sara (Leahy) Lofton and Christopher Leahy.

Howard P Apple, 82, of Winter Park, FL, died from complications of Parkinson’s disease in the early hours of Friday, December 16, 2022. Howie was born in Elgin, IL, on August 17, 1940, and moved with his family to Excelsior, MN, when he was 6 years old.

After receiving a liberal arts degree in physics at Carleton College in Northfield, MN, in 1962, Howie sought an advanced degree in electrical engineering at Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland. At that time, applying engineering principles to aspects of medicine was a new concept, and for Howie, a brand-new challenge. His Ph.D. was earned in the developing science of Biomedical Engineering at Case, where he studied cybernetic systems.

Stimulated by Case’s research environment, he joined the Engineering Design Center and immersed himself in biomedical engineering; he found another area of interest in technical management, developing engineering projects along with the teams to support them. Also while in Cleveland, he became interested in Gestalt psychology and joined the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland’s post-graduate program. He became a successful consultant in organizational behavior. From 1974 to 1982, he was Clinical Engineering Director and Electrical Safety Officer at University Hospitals in Cleveland. He established and managed biomedical equipment maintenance and safety programs for the hospital.

In 1982 Howie was recruited by Florida-based Critikon, Inc, a Johnson and Johnson company, for his experience in computer-based patient monitoring, and he moved with his wife and young son to Tampa. He was a co-inventor on the first noninvasive automated blood pressure monitor, the Dinamap; he helped develop the Protectiv Safety I.V. catheter, an innovative safety design that protects the healthcare worker from the risks associated with accidental needlestick injuries. He was awarded a management sabbatical at J & J’s Corporate Office of Science and Technology to earn an Executive MBA at Columbia University.

In 1984 he was recruited as Vice President of Research and Development at Summit Technology, Inc, of Waltham, MA, the developer of the first FDA-approved laser vision correction system in the U.S. He subsequently moved back to Florida as VP of R&D at LaserSight Technologies in Orlando, where he spearheaded a next generation laser vision correction product resulting in the LSX model, a faster, easier to use system. His interest in laser vision correction led him to consulting with a California-based startup company designing a laser-based vision screening and diagnosis device for children.

The final stage of his career was as CEO and President of his own consulting business, Apple Medical Incubator, Inc., to encourage and enable medical product design and development, including strategic planning and technical due diligence on late-stage medical product development projects, as well as industrial market research. He retired in 2020.

Howie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in early 2010. As a long-time runner and bicyclist, he immediately started researching exercise for Parkinson’s and initiated the Pedaling for Parkinson’s indoor cycling program at the Crosby YMCA Wellness Center in Winter Park, FL. in 2012. He himself participated in the program, which continues today, until his disabilities overcame his dedication.

Howie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Coleman Apple, of Winter Park; their son, Jason Coleman Apple and grandchildren Holden and Louise Zobel Apple of San Francisco, CA; his sister Jean Apple Owen; and four nieces and a nephew. Debbie sustained him during his long battle with PD and continues to volunteer and support Pedaling for Parkinson’s in his memory.

Howie’s long and varied career was the direct result of his Midwestern work ethic and his enduring belief in life-long learning.

Riccardo Giovanelli, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Cornell University, passed away peacefully athome on Wednesday December 14,2022 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

Riccardo was born inReggio Emilia Italy and spent much of his childhood in Argentina before returning to Italy. After graduating with a degree in physics from the University of Bologna, he pursued his Ph.D. studies in astronomy at Indiana University where he met his beloved wife and partner in the exploration of the universe, Martha Haynes.

In lieu of his Italian military service, he served as a civil volunteer teaching physics at the National University of El Salvador. He was a scientific staff member of the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico for 13 years, serving as head of the radio astronomy group and observatory
director before taking up a faculty position at Cornell in 1991. While at Cornell, he spearheaded the development of the CCAT project to construct a submillimeter telescope at 18,400 feet on CerroChajnantor in the Atacama region of northern Chile, a facility now scheduled for completion in 2024.

He was passionate about his astronomical research into the nature, distribution and evolution of galaxies, their use as probes of cosmology and the development of radio astronomy techniques and facilities. For his discovery of the first three dimensional view of the filamentary structure of the distribution of galaxies, he was awarded the 1989 Henry Draper Medal by the National Academy of Sciences and the honorific title of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.

He is survived by his wife Martha Haynes of Ithaca, his mother Franca Gatti, his brother Carlo Giovanelli (Anna Fiaccavento) and his nephew Alessio Giovanelli all of Italy and many dear members of the Haynes family. He was predeceased by his father Enzo Giovanelli and his first wife Ilca Baroni. Riccardo treasured his many friends and colleagues from around the world. He did not want to be mourned but rather to be celebrated for a life well lived.

Loving sister, cousin, and aunt, 66 January 28, 1956 – December 14, 2022 Susan (Susie) Leonard, 66, a "Jersey Girl", died on December 14, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease and Covid-19. Beloved daughter of the late Honorable Judge Leonard and Anne Leonard of Garwood. Loving sister of late Patty (Ed) Olenick and brother Jimmy (Kathy) Leonard. Survived by devoted sister and caretaker Mary Jane (Ken) DeHanes of Cincinnati, Ohio; nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Garwood, a town she forever loved.

Please join us in remembering Denni.