David Alan Heymsfeld

January 2, 1938 ~ September 15, 2023
David Alan Heymsfeld died peacefully at his home in Reston, Virginia on September 15, 2023 after a brief illness.
David was born January 2, 1938 in New York City. He was a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School. A dedicated public servant, David spent much of his career on Capitol Hill, ultimately serving as Chief of Staff for the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. David was a lifelong learner and teacher, lecturing on history and politics for adult education classes throughout his retirement.
David enjoyed sports and the outdoors. He was an avid tennis player, bike rider, and marathoner.
Above all David cherished family. He was a loving husband, devoted father and proud grandfather.
David is survived by his wife Carla, sons Ralph and David, daughters-in-law Jacquelyn and Jennifer, and grandchildren Sarah and David.
Funeral services will be held at the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA on Monday, September 18 at 12 noon. For those unable to join in person, the Zoom link is available below. Interment will follow at Fairfax Memorial Park.
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87600156367
Meeting ID: 876 0015 6367
Services
Service: September 18, 2023 12:00 pm
Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation
1441 Wiehle Ave.
Reston, VA 20190
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1441 Wiehle Ave.,Reston, VA 20190
Graveside Service: September 18, 2023 2:00 pm
Fairfax Memorial Park
9900 Burke Station Road
Fairfax, VA 22032
703-938-7440
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9900 Burke Station Road,Fairfax, VA 22032
I was his caregiver, he was kind when seeing him you feel that he is great noble who was a open mind.
That God ‘welcome him into his heavenly paradise.
Amen
Adama1
So grateful for the times we had with you.
Rest in peace in heaven.
David was never one to blow his own horn (quite the contrary), but his role in the 1978 deregulation of the airlines should be mentioned. As a Congressional staffer, David basically wrote the legislation that ended the role of the Civil Aeronautics Board (where he had previously been a policymaker) in deciding which airlines could fly to which cities. The shift from a regime governed by administrative processes and lawyers to a market regime helped remake and unleash the air transportation sector in the US economy. There were many public figures involved, but someone had to write the legislative details and, more than anyone, it was David.
Dave was my supervisor at the Civil Aeronautics Board in the 1960’s. He was a gentleman and pleasure to work for. Soft spoken and smart.
Dave was my supervisor at the Civil Aeronautics Board in the 1960’s. He was a gentleman and pleasure to work for. Soft spoken and smart. May his memory be for a blessing.
I was pleased to know David when we both volunteered at the Newseum. He was a terrific guide and then, later, was a great teacher through Arlington’s Encore Living program. He’ll be missed.
Dave and I served together on the staff of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for over 20 years. I have many good memories of Dave. He was an exceptional public servant and a good, kind person. I admired him. In my years on the Committee, I tried to learn as much as possible from him, not only about aviation but also about being a first-rate committee staffer. The fact is, he was a role model for me, and I feel that I was a much better staffer because of him. I know that many others on the Committee staff felt the same way. He will be remembered with great affection, and he will be missed.
All our love and thoughts are with you,
Danny and Helene
Carla, Ralph, David and family, I was saddened to hear of David’s passing. I know how hard this must be on the family. I have very fond memories of David and always enjoyed talking with him about current events, running and cycling. Specifically, I have fond memories of our families’ sharing holidays and holiday meals together. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Gary and Marla Lewis
Since 2014, David was an Encore Learning instructor. His thoughtfully crafted courses were very popular and he was an early adapter of virtual teaching to keep the Encore Learning community together when meeting in-person wasn’t feasible. Students appreciated his research and insights, and his love of history was so evident. David’s courses spanned the decades of American history and this fall he was going to teach a timely course on the US Supreme Court. David was always kind and agreeable, providing the glue that brings people together. We mourn losing him but celebrate all of his gifts. I wish Carla and the family comfort during this time of loss.
I would like to echo the words of Jack Schenendorf above. Dave was one of the smartest guys I have ever known. But beyond that, he was modest, kind, and always helpful. I was lucky that he preceded me as counsel to the aviation subcommittee of the House of Representatives. I learned so much watching him perform the duties of a committee staffer that I was better able to fulfill my responsibilities in that role. He was not one to boast about his accomplishments, but the aviation industry and airline passengers are better off for the work that Dave did and I’m sure the world is a better place for him having been in it.
So sorry for your loss. David was a great teacher and great human being. He will be missed.
I went to David’s FB site today because I hadn’t seen his comments for a while, and was so very sad to hear he had passed away. David and I went to school together in Woodmere from elementary school through our graduation in 1955. I loved his FB comments- so intelligent and insightful. My condoleances to David’s family. He was a fine person and he will be missed by friends and family alike.