David-Kern-Obituary

David Morris Kern

Obituary

PARADISE VALLEY, Arizona (AP) — The creator of Orajel, a medicine aimed at fighting toothaches that was later also used for mouth sores, has died, family members said Sunday. David Morris Kern was 103.

Allan Kern, his son, said his father died peacefully Friday at a group home in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

Born in 1909 in Manhattan and raised in Brooklyn, Kern graduated from the Brooklyn College of Pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist before becoming a salesman for Norwich and Warner Pharmaceuticals. After buying a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility with his brother and two partners, he created Orajel with the help of a chemistry professor. Kern would later tell family members that he developed Orajel because he sought to find relief for teething babies.

"It was the No. 1 product for toothaches for years," said Allan Kern. "He was really proud of it."

The elder Kern later sold the company to Del Laboratories in 1961, and moved to the Phoenix-area in the 1990s with his wife, Rose Ziedenweber Kern. The couple was married for 65 years until her death in 2001.

Kern retired from his pharmaceutical career as the age of 62 and later turned to managing the family finances, Allan Kern said.

Daughter-in-law Carol Kern said in retirement Kern bragged that he had great genes which allowed him to live past 100 years.

"I said during a toast on his 100th birthday that he'd say his secret to a long life was having a martini every day and not eating green vegetables," she said.

"If you are optimistic, and feel young, you will always look and remain young," Kern told The Arizona Republic in a 2009 interview. "Take advantage of every day."

Private services are planned Monday in New York.


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I was reading through the Memorial site of 2013 and came across Mr.Kern. I used the product he invented for all my children! He certainly lived a very productive life. In Psalms 90:10, well describes his long life. May "the God of all comfort", be with you.

my prayers & thoughts are with your family

happy are those who mourn,since they will be comforted....sincere sympathy..dg

Thank you!!! Mr. Kern a job well done... Our Sincere Condolences to the Kern Family my all your wonderful memeries help with this difficult time ahead...Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time... R.I.P. Mr. Kern

Dear Kern family I am sorry for your loss.May God's promise of a new world free from sickness and death be a comfort to you.

My deepest sympathy to the Kern family. David Kern had so much enthusiasm for life. It was always a joy to talk to him. David gave us a fantastic example of how to live and enjoy life as we age.

Paradise Valley is where you went to sleep in death. Let us not forget the wonderful hope of the resurrection to come. "You will be with me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43).

Our condolences to the Kern Family. Keep ing all of your in our thoughts and prayers. You will always be remember for the creation of orajel. Iawlays kee some in my medcine cabinet. Cherish his memories and may they always have a special place in your hearts. Talk to God who is the "Hearer of prayers"-PS.65:2