Raoul Gersten

Raoul Henry Gersten, 94, of Ridgewood passed away on February 19th, 2023.
Raoul lived a life exemplifying the true American dream. He was born in 1928 in Vienna, Austria to a working class family. His older brother Emil had come to the United States to study and in 1937, Raoul, his parents and one uncle were able to escape Nazi occupation and attain some of the last safe passage as a family of Jewish faith from what would soon become the Holocaust. Most of Raoul's extended family were unable to escape.
Raoul and his parents settled where his older brother was studying, Rochester, NY. Without knowing a word of English upon his arrival Raoul excelled in his studies and by the time of his graduation from high school he had tested to a level to afford him a full scholarship to the college of his choice through the US military. Raoul attended Harvard University and graduated with a BA in 1951. He spent 3 years in the US Navy as an officer completing his service in 1954.
In 1954 he married Nancy Anne Travis of Rochester and shortly thereafter they moved to Boston as Raoul continued his education at Harvard Law School. In 1957, after graduating and passing his bar exam, Raoul and Nancy moved to New York City where Raoul began a distinguished career in law.
Raoul was deeply passionate about the arts, especially in their classical form. He became ingrained in the fabric of New York City's classical music, ballet and literary societies and would develop wonderful friendships with many who shared his passion. He was happiest at the symphony and ballet.
In 1967 Raoul and Nancy had their son Andrew and moved to Ridgewood, NJ a few years later in 1973. During his time in Ridgewood Raoul became a loyal supporter of the Ridgewood library and could be found for a number of decades each summer at Graydon pool with a book at his side.
After retirement Raoul joined a local organization (the Hobbyists) that introduced him to a vast fraternity of retired men and women from the local area. Raoul cherished the friendships he made and the many hiking excursions he was involved in. His friendships with those in the organization continued past the time when he was not able to hike. Raoul was a dedicated father and husband with great love for his family.
Raoul was predeceased by Nancy and is survived by Andrew. Funeral arrangements are private.