Richard George Kedersha

KEDERSHA Richard George, 89, passed away at his home in Melbourne, Florida on October 8th, 2008, after a short fight with lung cancer. He was born and raised in New Jersey, residing first in Rutherford and later in Bridgewater. He served in the Navy during WW II where he saw active duty in the Pacific, and later served in China, assisting with the repatriation of the Japanese. He remained in the ready reserves and retired with a rank of commander. In civilian life, he was a registered pharmacist, earned two masters degrees, and obtained a Ph.D. in Business Administration from New York University. Doctor Kedersha served on the faculty of Rugters College of Pharmacy for over 30 years, coached their basketball team for several championship seasons, and retired as a full professor and chair of the Business Administration Department. While still in New Jersey, he developed a passion for orchids, and was a very active member of the New Jersey Orchid Society. He was a lifetime member of the Brotherhood and Protective Order of Elks.Accompanied by his wife Natalie, his dog Juno, and several hundred orchids, he moved to Indian River Colony Club (Viera, Florida) in 1999. He and his wife Natalie joined the Platinum Coast Orchid Society, and together they made many trips to Hawaii, where he "adopted" more orchids. They traveled extensively, to Australia, Hong Kong, Europe, Greece, Turkey, South America, New Zealand, and Antarctica. During the last 6 years, he spent summers at his daughter's house in southern Maine, planting trees, hardy orchids, and building stone walkways. His lifelong sense of humor was shared by his brothers, and brightened many lives. He would encourage his friends to raise a glass of scotch (or a martini) in his memory. Doctor Kedersha was preceded in death by his loving wife Natalie I. Kedersha, his two dogs Sandy and Juno, and his son Richard J. Kedersha. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Kedersha of Cambridge, MA, and three sisters-in-law: Rosemary Flynn of New Port Richey, FL; Marie Kedersha of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ; and Rosemary Kedersha of Tucson, AZ.A memorial service will be held at Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Viera, Florida, on November 8th at 11 AM. Friends can sign the guest book at beckmanwilliamson .com. His ashes will reside in Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida.Donations to the Assyrian Orphanage and School Association are suggested instead of flowers. Checks can be mailed to Louise Hallak, 170 Village Circle, Paramus, NJ 07652.