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Larry Gossack Obituary
Larry L.
Gossack, M.D.
Resident of San Jose
Larry L. Gossack, M.D., age 90, died on November 17, 2010 due to complications from heart disease. He was an obstetrician/gynecologist in San Jose from 1957 until his retirement in 1988. During his retirement, he enjoyed travels to Europe, Asia, and Latin America, spending time with his family, exercising, and gardening.
Larry was born and grew up in Montreal, Quebec, Canada in a family of 5 brothers. An academic standout at Baron Byng High School, he also excelled in ice hockey and baseball, receiving a tryout in the farm system of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Larry graduated from Queen's University and the Queen's University Medical School in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. He interned at Vancouver General Hospital in Vancouver, B.C., and then moved to the United States in 1949, where he completed his residency at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, where he spent a year at the famed Chicago Maternity Center. He later was a medical instructor at Northwestern.
Larry was proud to serve as a Doctor in the U.S. Air Force, stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, Kansas, from 1955 to 1957. In 1957, he moved to Santa Clara Valley, where he resided for 53 years. Larry began his California medical practice in 1957, and throughout the course of his career, delivered more than 5,000 babies to joyous parents. Larry was also on the founding medical staff of Good Samaritan Hospital in 1965. Committed throughout his life to caring for his family, patients, and the community, Larry is lovingly remembered for his dedication to doing his utmost for all those who knew him.
Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Pearl, his two children, David Gossack, of San Jose, and Linda Astor (Richard), and two adored granddaughters Marissa and Natalie Astor of Potomac, Maryland, as well as three brothers in Montreal.
No services are planned in accordance with Larry's wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the American Heart Association, and Hospice of the Valley. Condolences may be sent to P.O. Box 6882, San Jose, CA 95150. Arrangements by the Sinai Memorial Chapel.
SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL
408-297-3636
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Memories and Condolences
for Larry Gossack
Deborah (Piccotto) Hess
August 15, 2011
I worked for Dr. Gossack for 2 years(1968-1970). After I left I visited once or twice just to say Hi to him and PJ. I think working for him was one of the most enjoyable working experiences of my life. I observed first hand his compassion and concern for the very best for his patients. He truly made a difference.
phyllis castrovinci
January 31, 2011
I apologize for this being so late, I just found out today, 1/30/2011. He delivered 2 of my 3 children and I bowled with his daughter, Linda,when were kids. I remember while Dr. Gossack watched us bowl the calls he would get to go an deliver another baby. I will miss him .
phyllis castrovinci
Genie
December 22, 2010
Dr. Gossack delivered two of my children in 1972 and 1976 when we lived in the Bay Area. He was a wonderful doctor and a very nice person. He made my OB/Gyn experiences much more bearable because of his understanding and considerate ways and he helped my children have the best start in life that they could have. Thank you Dr. Gossack. I will always remember you.
Arthur Gossack
December 3, 2010
It is with deepest sorrow that the extended Gossack family mourns the loss of Uncle Larry, my Father (Sunky's) eldest brother. Uncle Larry was an inspiration to all the Gossacks for his lofty professional status as well as his support and love for his family throughout the years. Personally I looked up to him as an inspiration to pursue both academic and professional status in the States. As evidenced in his last visit to Montreal in June, he remained grateful and respectful of his roots and family, qualities I find admirable.
I remember with great fondness the Passover meals made magical by Uncle Larry's phone calls challenging a young mind to mysticism beyond that which Eliahoo's visit provoked.
As Zaida Gossack's only grandchild aged between Linda and David I felt bestowed by a special kinship that endures.
Uncle Larry will be missed but never forgotten.
The picture is from his last visit to Montreal in June 2010 and shows clockwise from upper left: Syl, Sunky, Larry and Kenny, missing only Uncle Freddy whose passing was observed.
Liz Summerhayes
November 26, 2010
When I met Dr. Gossack in 1976 he was warm and friendly and welcomed me to the new clinic at GSH. He remained friendly kind and very gentlemanly for all the years that followed. With very best wishes to to the family at this time of loss, Liz Summerhayes, RN,NP,CNM
Carol Tunney
November 26, 2010
I met Dr Larry Gossack in March 1982 when I moved to California from England.I worked with him At Good Samaritan Hospital until his retirement.He would arrive on Labor&Delivery most mornings at 630am to check on his patients and always greeted me warmly.We kept in touch until I moved away.Know you are in my thoughts and prayers,PJ and all.
Even though I never met your children I felt I knew them from Larry's stories.Your Dad was loved by all who knew him.Sincerely,
Carol Tunney,midwife,San Diego,CA
November 25, 2010
I met Dr Larry Gossack in 1973 during my stay in San Jose . I am a friend of his son and daughter. He was a kind and generous person. He was like a father to me and I thank God for having known him.
Larry, you will live forever in my heart.
My condolences to his wife Pearl, his son David, his daughter Linda and his granddaughters Marissa and Natalie Astor.
Graciela Alarcón
Paraná - Argentina
25 / 11 / 2010
Jan Hurd
November 24, 2010
Dr. Gossack, was a very special Doctor and very loving person! He always had a sparkle in his eyes and a friendly smile!
My husband and I were looking to adopt in 1980 and I had met Dr. Gossack socially, and we talked to him about adoption. He told us he hadn't seen one in years! I told him to keep us in mind and that he was going to have one for me sometime! Well to my suprise he referred our name to a young couple and we were Blessed with a beautiful baby boy after waiting ten years! I LOVE you Dr. Gossack, you will be missed!
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