LeRoy B. Gerchman, M.D., Ph.D

LeRoy B. Gerchman, M.D., Ph.D., 83, of Allentown, died peacefully in his home on the morning of July 20, 2024. He was the husband of Vincenza M. "Vinny" (Acacia) Gerchman. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 8, 2024. He was a member of St. Thomas More Church, Salisbury Township. Born in Forest City, PA on April 28, 1941, he was the son of the late Joseph and Pauline (Stephanic) Gerchman. After graduation from high school, LeRoy received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Scranton (1963), and his Master of Science degree from Creighton University, Omaha, NE (1965). Не received both his Doctorate of Philosophy degree (1968) from Michigan State University, Lansing, MI and his Medical Doctorate degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Lansing, MI. He was elected to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society on April 27, 1967 and Sigma Xi Honor Society on May 25, 1969. He served his internship at the former Allentown General Hospital from 1972-1973 and an Associate Professorship at Michigan State University Colleges of Human and Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Gerchman was a family physician with West End Medical Group from 1973 until his retirement in January 2015. He was an active member of the medical staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital since 1975 and Sacred Heart Hospital since 1973. A Diplomat of The American Board of Family Practice since 1977, he has received recertifications every 7 years since 1977. He has been a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1987. He received a Certificate of Merit from the Lehigh County Medical Society for more than 25 years of service and was named an Honoree of Lehigh Valley Hospital for 25 consecutive years of service in March 2001. He was a member of the Lehigh County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society since 1972. He was the author of many scientific publications and presentations throughout his career. Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Gerchman had a gift for healing, both in his practice and in his home. His patients found comfort in his expertise and compassionate bedside manner, and his family found solace in his unwavering love and support. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, intelligence, and love that knew no bounds. Dr. Gerchman's true treasure was his family. He was a loving husband and best friend to Vinny for more than 60 years, and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to the family he loved so dearly. He cherished spending time with them, hunting, playing golf, football and baseball (even at 83) in the back yard and attending performances and ball games for each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A dynamic couple on the dance floor, the family adored watching him dance with mom at every wedding and family celebration. He will be missed by his wife, family and the countless lives he touched. Survivors: Wife; sons, Glenn Gerchman and his wife Robin (Weber) of Clermont, Florida, Eric Gerchman and his wife Denyell (Reifinger) of Denmark, Maine; daughters, Donna Reiss of Allentown, Wendy and her husband Scott Stephan of Macungie, PA; 14 beloved grandchildren; 2 beloved great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Avenue, Allentown, PA 18103. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 6:30 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16" & Hamilton Streets, Allentown, and on Wednesday from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. in the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Gerchman's memory to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

LeRoy B. Gerchman, M.D., Ph.D

April 28, 1941 - July 20, 2024