Portsmouth—Gerry Barney “Doc” Mendelson, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died August 11, 2012.
Gerry was born Oct. 5, 1933, in Brooklyn, N. Y., to Frances Daniels Mendelson and Monroe Mendelson.
Surviving Gerry are his wife of 54 years Marilyn, son Moss and daughter-in-law Julie, son Judd and daughter-in-law Sara, and grandchildren Rachel, Anna, and Noah.
Gerry received BS and MA art degrees from New York University and taught art first in Long Island, N.Y. public schools and then at Ball State University, Indiana. After earning an EdD from Indiana University in audio-visual communications, Gerry held positions in higher education: director, Learning Resource Center, University of Hawaii; director, Biomedical Communications, MSU College of Human Medicine; Assistant Dean for Curriculum, U of Miami School of Medicine; associate professor, Medical University of South Carolina; and director, Medical Media, EVMS.
Gerry never met a stranger; he enjoyed talking to all. Hardly ever without a pet cat, Gerry rescued Max, last of a long line, some 15 years ago. Gerry was an out-of-century horse trader; he bought and traded almost anything that appealed. By his 60th birthday he had owned over 50 cars, cycles, and trucks. He loved to travel, especially behind the wheel of a motor home, and he and Marilyn camped in all but four U.S. states. In 2001 Gerry drove 12,000 picturesque miles to Alaska and back.
A funeral service was held at Sturtevant Funeral Home. Burial was at Olive Branch Cemetery. Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Portsmouth Humane Society.