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LEWIS KAY Obituary

KAY DR. LEWIS AVROM Of Moorestown and Harvey Cedars, NJ, died on March 26, 2021. Lewis is survived by his wife Jo Ann Kay; children Dana Kay Smith (Philip) and Stephen Kay (Piper); grandchildren Samantha, Lucy, Lilli and Reid and many loving sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter Meredith and his sister Barbara. Dr. Kay was a graduate of Brown University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He also served our country as a member of the United States Army. For over 50 years, Dr. Kay's work as a pediatric dentist has touched generations of people. Up to his last days, past patients recognized him for his compassion, kindness and gentle spirit in the dental treatment of all, including many of the community's special needs children and adults. As a professional, Dr. Kay has been affiliated with many prestigious hospitals and organizations, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (Senior Dentist), University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Associate Pediatric Dentistry), Cooper Hospital Medical Center (Cleft Palate Team), Episcopal Hospital/Temple University (Clinical Director), Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped (President and Board Member), New Jersey Dental Association (Delegate), New Jersey Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (President), and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (President). Dr. Kay was recognized for his outstanding service and extraordinary effort as a member of the Dental Identification Unit during 9/11. In 2011, Dr. Kay was the inaugural recipient of The Dr. Lewis A. Kay Excellence in Education Award. The eponymous award was established by Pediatric Dental Associates to be presented by The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to the director of a pediatric dental program, who is determined to best exemplify the dedication, commitment and leadership of the late Dr. Kay. Lew was a strong, loving, joyful husband, father, grandfather, friend and colleague. His spirit will continue to serve as an example of life well-lived and an inspiration for all those fortunate enough to have been able to share in his light. Private family memorial service will be held. Contributions in his memory can be made to The Dr. Lewis A. Kay Excellence in Education Award via The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in Chicago, Samaritan Hospice of South Jersey or a charity of one's choice. PLATT MEMORIAL CHAPELS

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

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer from Apr. 4 to Apr. 6, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for LEWIS KAY

Sponsored by Platt Memorial Chapels, Inc. - Cherry Hill.

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Lisa Blair (Thibault)

September 6, 2022

I am one of Dr. Kay's former patients. I started going to his office in Haddonfield in the early/mid 1970s. He will be remembered by all of us kids as gentle, reassuring, and comforting.

Linda Fennema

April 15, 2021

I’m so sorry for your loss. Lewis was very special and so was his wife Joanne. I was his caregiver a few years ago after getting out of the hospital. I felt so welcomed by both and was glad to help ❤

Patient Family

April 11, 2021

What a lovely man! Just now saw the notice of his passing. We would like his family to know that his compassion and high caliber professional care of his young patients left a lasting memory and smiles of appreciation. May the family be comforted by knowing that others also honor his passing.

Lourdes M. DMD

April 8, 2021

Lew and I shared a passion for advocacy in pediatric dentistry. He was a mentor to me and I will always remember his kindness and all the support. We have lost a great teacher and a true mensch. May his memory and legacy be for a blessing, now and always.
Our deepest condolences to the entire family
Dr. Lourdes M. Secola and Mr. Sheldon Lerner

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Charles Czerepak

Planted Trees

Regina Brogan

April 6, 2021

Dr. Kay was so kind, gentle and reassuring. He treated my disabled son. He was able to care for his teeth like no other dentist. My son actually looked forward to seeing "the dentist." We are so grateful. Our sincere condolences to the family.

Kathleen Salmonsen

April 6, 2021

Dr. Kay was such a wonderful dentist. My Special daughter and two older children had been seeing him since they were toddlers. Met him when he spoke at St. John of God many years ago. Very gentle and kind Dr. May he rest in heavenly peace. I’m sure he will b missed by his family and friends!! Kathleen Salmonsen ..Voorhees NJ

Diane Langston-Moore

April 6, 2021

Condolence To The Family My God Comfort U During This Time Dr. KAY WAS A VERY GOOD Dentists

Mary Ellen Bramble Cooney

April 5, 2021

Dr. Kay is not a person, I have thought of in many years, but as soon as I saw his photo and his name, I remembered.
I was a new mama of a baby, my sister noticed her top gum was split...off to see a dr who told me, if she didn’t have immediate surgery to correct this problem...her bottom jaw would continue to grow and her top jaw would collapsed. A panicked mama of a 6 week old baby.
Dr. Kay saw her at CHOP and reassured me, the worse my child would have, would be separated front teeth and possibly need speech therapy.
I cried all the way home with joy.
My child has a tiny space between her teeth, a beautiful smile and sure enough, speech therapy in young years...which turned out to be a gift. She learned to read at early age, could spell out any word and to this day write exceptional pieces.
She is an “vocal” animal advocate and a voice for people, especially women.
Why do I say all this?
Without Dr. Kay she may not had the courage nor the mouth had I listened to someone else 41 years ago.
He soothed a hysterical mama and a tiny baby that day, that impacted the world.
God Bless and Comfort all who love Dr. Kay best.
MaryEllen Bramble Cooney

Lois Rosenfeld Urkowitz

April 5, 2021

Our eldest daughter was born with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Amelogenesis Imperfecta. At that time, we went to CHOP for pediatrics. Knowing nothing about either condition and having no information from her birth mother, we were referred to Dr. Kay by our pediatricians. Dr. Kay was phenomenal and reassuring. Because of him we were guided to Linda Johnson. He was our lifesaver. Between him and Dr. Zavod at CHOP, we were able to start her appropriate treatment. He was reassuring and calm. That was just what we needed. He gave us a path when we had none.

STUART A WASSERLAUF

April 4, 2021

He was a valued colleague for more than 50 years. We respected each other in our private practices and working together in PDA resident program. He will be sorely missed. May his memory be for a blessing.

Mark Scott

April 3, 2021

He was my dentist 50 years ago, and took away my fear. RIP, Dr. Kay.

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