Richard Kedersha

RICHARD G. KEDERSHA - MELBOURNE - Richard George Kedersha, 89, passed away at his home in Melbourne, FL on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 after a short fight with lung cancer. He was born and raised in New Jersey, residing first in Rutherford, and later in Bridge water. He served in the Navy during World War II, where he saw active duty in the Pacific, and later served in China, assisting with the repatriation of the Japanese. He remained in the ready reserves and retired with a rank of commander. In civilian life Dr. Kedersha was a registered pharmacist; he earned two masters degrees and obtained a PhD in Business Administration from New York University. Dr. Kedersha served on the faculty of Rutgers College of Pharmacy for over 30 years, coached their basketball team for several championship seasons, and retired as a Full Professor and chair of the Business Administration Department. While still in NJ, George developed a passion for orchids and was a very active member of the New Jersey Orchid Society. He was a lifetime member of the Brotherhood and Protective Order of Elks. Accompanied by his wife Natalie, his dog Juno, and several hundred orchids, he moved to Indian River Colony Club, Viera, FL in 1999. He and Natalie joined the Platinum Coast Orchid Society, and to gether they made many trips to Hawaii, where he "adopted" more orchids. They traveled extensively, to Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, Greece, Turkey, South America, New Zealand, and Antarctica. During the last six years he spent summers at his daughters house in southern Maine, planting trees, hardy orchids, and building stone walkways. His lifelong sense of humor was shared by his brothers and brightened many lives. He would encourage his friends to raise a glass of scotch (or a martini) in his memory. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Natalie I. Kedersha; his two dogs, Sandy and Juno, and his son, Richard J. Kedersha. Dr. Kedersha is survived by his daughter, Nancy Kedersha of Cambridge, MA, and three sisters-in-law, Rosemary Flynn of New Port Richey, FL, Marie Kedersha of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, and Rosemary Kedersha of Tucson, AZ. A memorial service will be held at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home,Viera on Saturday, November 8th at 11 am. His ashes will reside in Bushnell National Cemetery, Florida. Donations to the Assyrian Orphanage and School Association are suggested instead of flowers. Checks can be mailed to Louise Hallak, 170 Village Circle, Paramus, NJ 07652. Please sign guestbook at beckmanwilliamson.com