The Kingston City Building Flags Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of John Heitzman

Among Kingston’s most distinguished public servants is former Mayor John Heitzman. The city building flags are flying at half-staff in his honor Monday.

Heitzman was a lifelong resident of Kingston, NY, and served as alderman of the 12th and 1st wards. He also worked at Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation for over 38 years.

Early Life and Education

John Heitzman was born on December 25, 1862 in Germany. He came to Hollis township, Peoria county, with his parents when he was a small boy.

He was baptized and confirmed at Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Peoria. He married Bertha Emka at San Jose thirty-five years ago* and they have ten children: William, August, Mathilda, John, Fred, Frank, Ben, Joseph, Bertha and Walter.

David, the 12th and youngest of their 12 children, was salutatorian for his class at Notre Dame High School’s Baccalaureate Mass June 13. He is a National Merit Commended Scholar and was named the highest scorer in the New York-New Jersey Catholic School Mathematics League. He also represented the league in the New York State Mathematics League Tournament as a double Trenton Times Academic All-Star performer in math and science.

Professional Career

John Heitzman has an extensive professional career in engineering and construction management. He has over 30 years of experience in the field, working on construction projects across the country and throughout the world.

He founded Dakota Construction in 1986, a construction firm that specializes in commercial, residential and industrial construction. He also has extensive industry experience in roadway design, geotechnical engineering, stormwater treatment and program management.

He is a member of the Home Builders Association, North Dakota Association of Builders and National Association of Builders. He has served in a variety of leadership positions, including director, president, Education Committee Chair, Plan Management Committee trustee and past president, Remodelers Council member and PAC committee member.

Achievements and Honors

John Heitzman holds a number of high-level academic honors and awards. These include being named a National Merit Commended Scholar and receiving the highest scorer in the Catholic School Math League for New York and New Jersey.

He also was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship, which is one of the most prestigious and highly-coveted awards in the world. He is also an inventor and has received many patents for his inventions.

He is also an avid traveler and has visited more than 50 countries, including China, Germany, India, France and England. He is a passionate supporter of Israel and has been to many Israeli-Israeli joint events, including the tenth anniversary of the signing of the peace treaty. He is an active member of the Jewish community in both Israel and the U.S. and is a supporter of numerous organizations.

Personal Life

Heitzman, John, who inherited billions of dollars from his father, was a man of great wealth and power. He led a relatively healthy lifestyle, never smoked or drunk, and worked out every day in his private gymnasium.

He was a great sportsman, playing many different sports and traveling the world. He was also a devoted husband and father.

He died on May 6, 2022 at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, New York. He is survived by his wife and children, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a former mayor of Kingston, New York. He was dedicated to public service and served on numerous boards. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital.