Dr. Paul B. Lerner

Dr. Paul B. Lerner

AGE: 77 • Somerset

Dr. Paul B. Lerner died on Tuesday night, Jan. 31, 2012 at his home in Somerset. He was 77 years old. Dr. Lerner was born in Bridgeport, CT. and lived for many years in Kearny before moving to Somerset in 1961. He graduated from Upsala University before continuing his education at Temple School of Dentistry where he served as Senior Class President, and President of his Fraternity, Sigma Epsilon Delta. After receiving his DMD from Temple he enlisted into the United States Air Force, where he achieved the rank of Captain. He opened his private dental practice in 1961 and continued serving the Franklin Township Community until 2005. He often volunteered his services as well to the residents of the Central Jersey Jewish Home for the Aged and the children of St. Matthias School. He was a member of the Franklin Township Jaycees and the Kiwanis Club. He was a New York Football Giants fanatic and, he also enjoyed New York Rangers Hockey and the New York Knicks. Dr. Lerner was a founding member of Temple Beth El in Somerset. He volunteered his time to the community in various ways. He enjoyed coordinating youth activities at Temple Beth El, as well as coaching their United Synagogue Youth Basketball. He was also a member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team. He used his dental background to help identify victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center in September 2001.

He was predeceased by his brother, Dr. Milton Lerner and a sister, Ruth Yurman. Dr. Lerner is survived by his wife and former high school sweetheart, Ann of Somerset. He is also survived by his daughter, Dr. Sharon Lerner-Baron of San Diego; son, Dr. Lawrence Lerner and his wife Diana of San Diego; and daughter, Stacey Schaad and her husband Joseph of Belmar. He is also survived by his sister, Harriet Radin and her husband Norman of Del Mar, CA.; a brother-in-law, Max Yurman; sister-in-law, Susan Gooen and her husband Kenneth of Somerset; brother-in-law, Martin Goldman and his wife Debbie also of Somerset; and his 5 grandchildren, Jonathan and Michelle Baron, Noah and Koby Lerner and Syena Schaad.

A funeral service will take place on Thursday at 11 AM at Temple Beth El, 1489 Hamilton Street in Somerset. Kindly arrive by 10:45. Graveside services will follow at Beth Israel Cemetery in Woodbridge. Arrangements are under the direction of the Gleason Funeral Home 1360 Hamilton Street Somerset.