Lester M. Geller

Lester M. Geller died on August 29, 2021, one day past his 95th birthday and one week prior to the 73rd anniversary of his marriage to Estelle Hecht Geller, who survives him. He was born in Manhattan to immigrant parents Morris and Mollie (Seiden), and grew up in Brooklyn with late siblings Florence (Harry Rondell) and Seymour (Sarah). Lester was a lifelong New Yorker who enjoyed attending theater and symphony. He loved his home of 53 years in Bayside, Queens. Late in life he and Estelle joined an assisted living community in West Hartford, CT. He was a proud graduate of Stuyvesant High School, Cornell University (BA), Michigan State (MA), and NYU (PhD). After a brief stint at the Bronx VA as a clinical psychologist, Lester commenced a 50-plus year career in neuropathology research, pathology teaching, and student counseling at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. He was a private man, a good listener, and an engaged interlocutor. In addition to Estelle, he is survived by his children, Barbara of Boston MA, Mark (Marie Ganott) of Pittsburgh PA, and Jeremy (Manisha Desai) of Vernon CT; grandchildren, Pierce, Margot, Miquel, Ishan, and Ilan; great-grandchildren, Zelda and Felix; and seven nieces and nephews. Lester had a number of beloved cats and dogs. Donations in his memory may be directed to the ASPCA.