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David Inkeles Obituary
Sparta - Inkeles, Dr. David M. age 84 of Sparta, NJ passed away Saturday evening August 21, 2021 in the Newton Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in New York, NY and raised on Long Island in the town of Lawrence, he has resided in Sparta since 1976.
Son of the late Abraham and Fay (nee Weiss) Inkeles, David was a graduate of Lawrence High School in Cedarhurst, NY class of 1955. In 1959 he earned a B.A in Economics from Yale College, graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude.
Dr. Inkeles proudly served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant from 1959 to 1960. Prior to beginning medical school in 1968, he had a successful career on Wall Street as a commodities broker for E.F. Hutton & Co.. In 1972 David earned his Medical Degree from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY. He completed his internship at Mercy Hospital in San Diego in 1973 and an ophthalmological residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City in 1976.
Dr. Inkeles joined Eye Physicians of Sussex County, where he was still practicing as an Ophthalmologist today, including surgical operations at the practice's ambulatory surgical center.
David served as the President of the Jewish Center of Sussex County in the early 1980s. He was a runner and ran 9 marathons (New York, Boston, London). An avid outdoorsman, he loved camping and hiking, and he never missed his two-week camping trip with his family every summer.
An avid world traveler, Dr. Inkeles traveled to more than 50 countries in his life time,
including taking a full year trip around the world in 1964 and most recently in 2019 traveling to Iceland and Greenland. A brilliant doctor, a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, Dr. Inkeles will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Predeceased in life by his beloved wife Margery (nee Isbell) Inkeles in 2017, to whom he was married in 1968, and his sister Lila Holland, David is survived in life by his children Charles, Barbara, John and his wife Sheree Inkeles, and Laura Inkeles and her fiancé Jason Kanow. Also surviving are his cherished grandson Ian Kanow, as well as his brother-in-law Richard Holland, his sister-in-law Janet Mody, and his nieces and nephews Leslie Holland, Adam Holland, and Cyrus Mody.
Friends may call for visitation Tuesday August 24, 2021 from 7 to 9 PM in the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home #156 Main St. (Rt. 206) Newton, NJ 07860. Funeral Services will begin in the Funeral Home Wednesday morning at 10:30 AM and continue in the Mount Lebanon Cemetery 7800 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, NY 11385. Livestream will be available for the funeral services. Online condolences through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Inkeles
Sponsored by The New Jersey Herald and njherald.com.
Joanna Mattos
August 17, 2025
We really miss Dr. Inkeles. While the other doctors in the practice are very good, we miss his uniquess and humor. He was an excellent doctor.
Marilyn Chapman
August 17, 2023
David was my neighbor on Crestwood Trail for several years, and my ophthalmologist for a few decades. I cherished his competency as an opthalmologist, and his courtly charm as a friend. I miss him. Marilyn Chapman
Ms "dog torn cornea"
October 11, 2021
Dr Inkeles saw me on a Saturday when my left eye had closed shut overnight. He had to ask how and maybe if it was due to physical violence/ abuse. The way he got his answer to the " how" was what introduced me to his wit, my pain didn't stop my laughter.
Dr had this patient, controlled way of hiding his irritation. His wit was a delight, I only met him a few times & Id told him my husband would really want to meet him when he did my surgery after he returned from his vacation....
I guess the other world needed some witty humor.. so we missed out on more time with him.
Our sincere condolences, he really touched us .... healed the eye & opened the mind...
Kimberly L. Cortright
October 7, 2021
Dr. Inkeles put the twinkle back in my grandfather's eyes in the late 1970's and in 2010 did the same for my mother. Wonderful man, wonderful doctor.
Linwood Hall
September 16, 2021
I was a patient of his in Newton New Jersey. He was a great doctor. My sincere condolences to his entire family.
Robert Knecht
September 14, 2021
I was very sorry to hear of the Doctors passing. I first met him when I had an emergency in 2001. My primary called around trying to find an ophthalmologist at 6:00 PM. Dr. Inkeles waited until 7:00 for me. I will never forget his kindness.
Nels Kurt Langsten, MD
August 30, 2021
Hey John. Our condolences for to you and your family for your loss. I recall happier times in the past and hope they will return. Best wishes for happiness in the future. Warmly, Kurt and Rae
Pat and Bill Patterson
August 27, 2021
Dear Charles, Barbara, John, and Laura,
Sheree and Family,
We were deeply saddened to learn of your father's death and are thinking of you with caring thoughts and heartfelt sympathy at this time of loss.
We were fortunate to know David as dear friend and neighbor, esteemed ophthalmologist, and kind, generous man. David's essence will always radiate in our hearts, and his light will shine on in the lives of all who were blessed to know him.
We grieve with you and share your loss--
Sincerely,
Pat and Bill Patterson
Lori chammings
August 26, 2021
My deepest condolences on the passing of dr inkeles.. my first job in ophthalmology thanks to Dr McGee .. will cherish all my memories at eye physicians..
Matt Bracken
August 26, 2021
My condolences on the passing of Dr. Inkeles. A great man of many qualities who always brought a smile to my face. It has been a while since we last connected and shared some good laughs of the Blair carpooling days. Sending the entire Inkeles family my thoughts and prayers.
Marian Smith
August 25, 2021
It is very sad to hear the passing of Dr. Inkeles. He Cared about his patients and he made a difference in his life´s journey and profession.
Loreene (Yokel) Henry
August 25, 2021
Our Condolences to Dr. David Inkeles family . My mom Juanita Yokel went to Dr. Inkeles for over 35+ years he saved her eyesight . Other family members also went to him. Great doctor and a very good man . I remember always talking with him all the years I took my mom to her appointments. He was the best Doctor & he always had many interesting & great conversations with my Mom and I. I will keep Dr. Inkeles family in my thoughts & prayers. Sincerely, Loreene Henry & Family
Marco & Nella Bisoglio & Nestico family
August 25, 2021
We are truly sorry for the loss of our good friend, and are keeping all of you, his family, in our thoughts and prayers.
Moe Joy,Chris and Summer Passannante
August 24, 2021
We are so saddened by this news of David´s passing. He was our friend and doctor for over 30 years. His wit and humor were unmatched by all. Our Blair years were the best of times sharing many events with Margery and David. Please give our deepest sympathy to his four children. We are so sad to not be able to attend the service. May god bless David as he joins his beloved Margery. We will remember you always. Our love. Moe Joy summer and Chris
George T. Daggett
August 24, 2021
David Inkeles, a great doctor and a wonderful friend. Forty years ago my vision burred, I met David and my cataracts disappeared. Years ago I was driving on Sussex Mills Rd. and I saw David pushing his car, I pulled up and got out to help only to find that he was stretching in preparation for a run.
Thanks for the memories Dave.
Rita Petrullo
August 24, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gilbert and Joanna Mattos
August 24, 2021
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. INKELES. He was a fine doctor and we will really miss him.
Peter Massardo
August 24, 2021
To Barbara, Charles, John and Laura,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father. Dr. Inkeles always took pride in describing your accomplishments when I would see him as a patient. He treated me many times and I appreciated his care and expertise. I have fond memories of my contact with him, your mother, and of course with you. With deepest sympathy,
Peter Massardo
Marilyn Chapman
August 24, 2021
I am saddened by the death of my 40 yea r + friendship with David. I am disappointed not to be able to come and join with his children. Our relationship began when David's son John and my son Colin started carpooling to Hilltop Montessori School. John was the handsomest little boy! I loved Margery and remember a wonderful Christmas party that she and David included me for. I'll miss my annual visit for his ever skillful ophthalmology, his graciousness. Marilyn Chapman
Linda Flynn
August 23, 2021
David thank you for your knowledge and professional care over the years. I´m glad that we had a chance to catch up at my last visit only a few
weeks ago. Rest well my friend.
Lisa (Meyers) Boccio
August 23, 2021
My sincere condolences to all who loved him. My daughter was his patient when she was a little girl. Just last week she asked me which one of her doctors always had a drawer full of tootsie pops.
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