Eight Bells: Dick Heinl

Dr. Dick Heinl passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Oyster Bay, New York. He was 99 years of age.

Dick was very accomplished in all that he set his mind to do. He was a decorated World War II Veteran with the United States Army: 94th Infantry Division, 376 Expert Infantry Regiment. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, American Campaign Medal, European-African- Middle East Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

Once returning from War, Dick went on to pursue a career in Dentistry and Orthodontics. His schooling included a degree from Fordham University, University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry and then later going on to receive a degree in Orthodontics from Columbia University.

Dick was an accomplished private pilot. He was a founding member and president of the North Shore Ski Club (NSSC), Past President of the Columbia Orthodontic Society, and Member of the Manhasset American Legion Post 304 for 70 years. Dick was a Past President of St. Francis Bravehearts and a volunteer at St. Francis hospital.

Dick enjoyed the challenges and thrills of all sports, and there was not a sport that he did not try, enjoy and master. He is a legend in the US Sunfish Class, notable for being an all-around great guy and four-time Champion of the World’s Longest Sunfish Race Around Shelter Island.

H enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and the many friends at the Life Enrichment Center in Oyster Bay where he spent many days participating in programs and having a good time with friends.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Isabel, and survived by his three children: Pamela (Frank) Martocci, Laura Brininger, and R. Scott (Michelle). Dick was blessed to have six grandchildren: Caroline and Stephen Martocci, Andrew and Nicholas Brininger, Connor and Shane Heinl, and many loving nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass was held on March 15th, and donations can be sent to: Life Enrichment Center, 45 East Main St. Oyster Bay, NY 11771 or www.lifeenrichmentcenteroysterbay.org in his name.