Dr. Gerald Melamut

Dr. Gerald ("Jerry") Melamut, 93, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born on May 8, 1929, in Providence, Rhode Island to Isadore Melamut and Anna (Shenker) Melamut. Jerry was a loving older brother to Sheldon ("Jay") and Shirley; both pre-deceased Jerry. Jerry served in the peace-keeping forces after the conclusion of World War II, in Korea, and returned to Providence to attend University of Rhode Island. Jerry graduated with a degree in pharmacy and owned and operated Jerry's Chemist Shop in Providence from 1952 to 1961. Jerry married the love of his life, Ethel Gandelman, in 1954. In 1961, Jerry and Ethel moved to Philadelphia with their daughters Brenda (Morris) and Deborah (Minkoff) so that Jerry could attend Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and earn his medical degree. Ethel and Jerry's son, Jonathan, was born in Jerry's third-year of medical school. Jerry and Ethel moved their family to Allentown in 1965, for Jerry to begin his career at Allentown Osteopathic Hospital, where he later served as Chief of Staff. Jerry and his partner and dear friend, William Lozinger, owned and provided family medicine at Whitehall Medical Center. Jerry was certified in Family Medicine. In 1986, Jerry became a Fellow in the American College of Medical Quality. Jerry later provided physician peer review services for Cigna, after earning certification in Quality Assurance and Utilization Review.

Throughout his life in Allentown, Jerry was an active member of Temple Beth El. He served on the committee for building the new synagogue, attended morning minyan, and was available to other congregants for support and transportation. In 2014, Jerry was honored by Temple Beth El for his decades of service and commitment. Jerry was also a founding member of the Maimonides Society.

Jerry is survived by his wife Ethel, his children Brenda (Lindsey Morris), Deborah (David Minkoff), and Jonathan (Sherri Groff); grandchildren Andrea Morris, Rachel Kemp (Mark), Lee Minkoff (Ashley), Jake Minkoff, Hailey Melamut (Tommy Driscoll), and Alec Melamut; and great-granddaughter Emma Jane Kemp.

Services: The funeral and burial will take place in Rhode Island on August 23, 2022. On August, 24, 2022, a shiva minyan will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El. A memorial service will be held on August 25, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Beth El. Jerry will be missed dearly by many. May his memory be a blessing. Arrangements by Bachman, Kulik & Reinsmith Funeral Homes, Allentown, www.BKRFH.com

Contributions may be made to either Temple Beth El or Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley.