Nathan Max Sheckman

Nate lived a very full life and was a joy to be with. He loved to golf, (two holes in one!) was a Jeopardy fanatic, and loved listening to his books on tape which led to many stimulating and thought provoking discussions. Even at his age, he had a need to learn something new everyday and his family and friends loved learning from him.

He loved being a friend and being engaged with people from all walks of life. His favorite times were discussions about current events and politics over a glass of Scotch. If Nate met you, he never forgot you or your family and would ask about all your friends and family including the ones you didn’t even remember!

Nate was the son of the late Doctor Herman and Rose Sheckman and was born in The North Bronx in New York City. Nate had a fluid childhood moving many times while his dad decided what he wanted to be when he grew up finally attaining both a pharmacy and dental degree allowing Nate to further his own education.

Nate graduated from City College, New York in 1933 and continued his education at Columbia University where he graduated number one in his class from the Columbia School of Dentistry in 1938 . He received the Ewell Medal, and was elected to the National Dental Society. He continued his involvement with the Columbia School of Dentistry holding number of positions with the alumni Association.

Nate married the love of his life Ruth (Saslov) in 1940 and moved to New Rochelle, NY where they brought up their two boys Peter and Richard who were still their pride and joy.

Nate had a varied and successful career as a dentist maintaining a solo dental practice in Parkchester, New York and later moving his practice to Manhattan where he had his office on Park Avenue. He was also the dental consultant for Seagrams Liquors and British Airways.

Nate was a proud soldier and a veteran of World War II entering the service in 1941. He served in the 76th Infantry Division of the United States Army where he participated at the Battle of the Bulge. He loved to tell “war stories” and it was truly amazing that we were able to listen to history live. Nate stayed in the Dental Corp reserves of the US Army retiring after 35 years attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel.

To know Nate was to love him. Everywhere he went, he made friends who loved him dearly. He was a kind and gentle soul and a true gentleman.

He was the husband of the late Ruth (Saslov) with whom he shared 72 years of marriage. He was also the most loving and devoted father to Doctor Peter and Maryanne (McDermott) Sheckman of Swampscott and Richard and Alice (Mueller) of Montauk, Long Island. He was the grandfather of Bryan Sheckman and his wife Mandy Chan DDS, and great grandfather to their children, Derek and Chandler of North Andover, MA. He leaves behind several other great-grandchildren especially Marley (Cassidy) Schiffer of South Boston, MA. His nieces and nephews along with many many surrogate grandchildren and great grandchildren who will remember him with great love, fondness and admiration. Memorial contributions may be made to the Derek Sheckman Foundation in care of Eastern Bank 405 Paradise Road, Swampscott, MA in remembrance of his late grandson Derek. In honor of Nate, the family requests that you follow his lead and have a Scotch every day at 5! God speed Nate.... cheers to a life well lived!