Philip J. Aretsky MD

Philip J. Aretsky, M.D., who lived in Franklin Lakes, N.J. for over thirty years, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024. Philip was born in Manhattan, N.Y. to Sidney and Ida Aretsky. He grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan where he enjoyed playing basketball and stickball as a boy. Always an exceptional student, he skipped several grades and graduated from Stuyvesant High School. He attended the University of Louisville where he completed his pre-med requirements in only three years, earning entry to Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, N.Y. after completion of his junior year. Philip completed his post-medical school internship at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, M.A. and completed dual residencies in general surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in N.Y. and in otolaryngology at SUNY Downstate in NY. Philip also served as a Captain/physician in the United States Air Force in Savannah, Georgia during the Vietnam War.
Philip's kindness and compassion served him well throughout his distinguished career as an ear, nose and throat physician in private practice in Glen Rock, N.J. Philip loved being a doctor and his patients adored him as did his colleagues at Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, N.J., where he was on staff for over fifty years. Philip was known for his engaging conversations and amazing breadth of knowledge including sports trivia. Philip continued working as a physician well into his 80s including during the COVID pandemic.
Philip was a true gem of a man who made everyone who knew him feel special and loved. He exuded love for his family and was the wing beneath the wings for his wife, children and grandchildren. Philip's love, compassion, and wisdom could be felt through every interaction big or small. He was truly adored by everyone who was lucky enough to cross paths with this extraordinary human being. Philip's three grandchildren were his pride and joy and he was a fixture at his grandchildren's school events, sports games and recitals where he is remembered for being their number one cheerleader. He leaves a legacy of love for all who knew him.
Philip met the love of his life, Dolores (nee Gromack), sixty-one years ago in a chance encounter in the cafeteria of The Mount Sinai Hospital and they were married for sixty blessed years. He is survived by his loving wife, Dolores, and two children: son, Eric Aretsky (Melissa Eydenberg) of Allendale, NJ; daughter, Lynne Aretsky Goldman of Oakland, NJ; and his three grandchildren: Brad Aretsky, Danielle Goldman and Ryan Goldman; and his brother, Kenneth Aretsky of New York, New York.
Donations can be made to: The Jewish Home at Rockleigh https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/jewishhomefamily