Gerald Turkewitz Obituary

Gerald Turkewitz, of the Bronx, NY, died on February 24, 2015 as a result of complications following a fall.

He was born on February 25th, 1933 in New York, to Morris and Jean Turkewitz, and spent his life in New York, where he was a comparative psychologist who did research in the field of cognitive development. Following his education and training at the Bronx High School of Science, City College, and NYU, Gerry obtained his first position at the American Museum of Natural History. He subsequently worked at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and as a Professor in Psychology at Hunter College, a community that he loved.

Through his prodigious writing, mentoring of students and participation in professional organizations, he influenced his field and contributed to understanding the importance of early experience in development of adaptive functioning. His work primarily explored
how different sensory inputs are integrated, by animals including humans, to create a coherent understanding of their environments. One of his lasting theoretical contributions is the counterintuitive notion that limitations in early sensory development are actually
adaptive, rather than detrimental, to human development.

In addition to being passionately excited by his research and his family, Gerry loved birding and spending time outdoors, folk music and opera, theatre, hard crossword puzzles, spicy food and progressive politics. The joy that he took from observing the world and appreciating cultural differences fueled a life-long love of traveling. He was warm, irreverent and funny. In his darkest moments in the hospital when others might have turned to self-pity, he dreamed of butterflies and dancing.

He is missed by his wife of 59 years, Myrna, four children, Barbara, Neil, Aaron and Joel, their wives, Jocelyn, Anna, and Shannon; his five grandchildren, Couper, Mikayla, Amelia, Cecelia, and Sebastian; his brother Bob, extended family, friends, colleagues, and students.

To continue Gerry's efforts, a fund has been established in his name to recognize Hunter College undergraduates who show promise in psychology. Contributions may be made at https://community.hunter.cuny.edu/d onatenow (please specify "Turkewitz fund" in "Donor comments"), or sent to: Hunter College Foundation; East Building, Room 1300; 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065 with checks payable to the Hunter College Foundation and earmarked for the Gerald Turkewitz Memorial Award.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times from Jun. 5 to Jun. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Gerald Turkewitz

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Susan Karp Manning

July 3, 2015

I just want to send regrets to his family about the death of my late colleague

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