Health care champion, longtime hospital board chair Heatherington dies at 89

He was a dedicated advocate for communitybased health care.

For the MVI

The regional health care community is mourning the loss of D. James Heatherington, former chairman of UPMC McKeesport and longtime president of the McKeesport Hospital Foundation, who passed away July 29 at age 89.

Jim Heatherington was a steadfast advocate for community- based health care, dedicating more than three decades of his life to advancing medical access and institutional excellence in Western Pennsylvania.

His 35-year tenure on the McKeesport Hospital Foundation Board, including 11 years as president (1992– 2003), helped shape the hospital’s strategic growth and its capacity to serve a diverse and underserved population.

Under his leadership, the foundation adopted major community health initiatives and supported frontline caregivers through grants and educational programming. In 2024, the foundation and the Heatherington family established the D. James Heatherington Scholars Fund, a named endowment to support new nurses launching their careers at UPMC McKeesport — a lasting tribute to his commitment to health care workforce development at his local hospital.

In addition to his local efforts, Heatherington served on the board of directors of UPMC, lending his voice to system-wide policy and governance at one of the country’s largest academic medical centers.

He also contributed his expertise as a board member of several health-related organizations, including the Pittsburgh Care Partnership, Shenango Presbyterian Senior Housing Inc. and the McKeesport Healthier Communities Partnership.

In the 1960s, Heatherington learned that McKeesport Hospital was in need of a trusted private ambulance partner and founded the McKeesport Private Ambulance Service, a pioneering venture that served hospitals and patients throughout the Allegheny County region for more than 30 years.

Beyond his health care impact, Heatherington was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania National Guard, a two-term McKeesport City Council member, and a former deputy coroner for Allegheny County. He was known for his collaborative leadership style, bridging government, hospital administration and nonprofit stakeholders for the greater good.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Suzanne, four children and eight grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Mary, Mother of God Parish (St. Angela Merici Church) in White Oak, with interment to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in North Versailles.

Honoring His Legacy Healthcare institutions or professionals wishing to honor Jim’s legacy can make memorial contributions to McKeesport Hospital foundation – Heatherington Scholars Fund 1500 Fifth Ave., McKeesport, PA 15132.