Richard A. Heyman

Richard A. Heyman (1935-September 16, 1994) was a mayor of Key West, Florida from 1983–85 and from 1987-1989.

He was said to be one of the first openly gay public officials.

He died of AIDS-related pneumonia.

The Key West Wastewater Treatment Plant is named for him.

Mr. Heyman was reared in Grand Rapids, Ohio, where he was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Ohio State University in 1957 and then served in the Army. He later taught school in his home town, after which he moved to Toledo, Ohio, where he founded several employment agencies.

In the mid-1960's he moved to Florida and eventually settled in Key West, where he was a founder in 1972 of the Gingerbread Square Gallery. The gallery showed paintings by the playwright Tennessee Williams, who lived in Key West, as well as other artists, including Mr. Heyman's partner of many years, John Kiraly.

In addition to Mr. Kiraly, Mr. Heyman is survived by a sister, Glenda Heyman of Grand Rapids, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.