Kenneth Gorelick Obituary

GORELICK--Dr. Kenneth Paul, 67, of Washington, DC, passed away on June 8, 2009. Dr. Gorelick was born in Paterson, NJ, on April 16, 1942, to the late Irving and Sylvia Gorelick. Dr. Gorelick is survived by his wife, Cheryl Opacinch Gorelick of Washington, DC; a sister, Arlene Taub and her husband, Joseph of Tenafly, NJ; a niece, Michelle Taub Tesser and her husband, Scott of Norwood, NJ; a nephew, Marc Taub and his wife, Karen of Mt. Kisco, NY; great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 12 at 10:00am at Temple Emanu-El, 180 Piermont Road, Closter, NJ, 07624, 201-750-9997. Shiva will be observed at Dr. Gorelick's residence in Washington, DC. Donations may be made to the Drs. Kenneth & Cheryl Gorelick Fund; The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region, 1201 15th Street, NY Suite 420, Washington, DC 20005; or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Gorelick

9 Entries

Richard R. Palmer

June 22, 2009

I was sorry to read in the paper of Ken's death. We were very-near contemporaries both in age and "chronics with keys" status at St. E's. I left in 1999, and had figured I would be calling him up about now since I'd figured he would be retiring roughly now -- since he was such an energetic person ("life force" one of your Guest Book entrants said).

God knows we scrapped several times over various issues at SEH, but I appreciated his interest in the history of psychiatry and SEH's place in it, and his enthusiasm for alternative treatments, especially the biblio- and poetry- therapies. Indeed he will be missed.

If his address about the history, or "book"(?) is available, I'd love to see it or get a copy.

Again, my condolences to the family.

Anne Mills

June 20, 2009

I remember asking Ken to come talk about poetry therapy to a group of psychology interns and art therapy externs at the GW Counseling Center. I was nervous inviting him, as I did not know him well, and he was an MD, after all! He was so gracious and immediately made time in his schedule to meet with the students. He obviously loved teaching, as well as the opportunity to help future therapists understand the importance of poetry therapy. He was down-to-earth, clear, thorough, and generous with his time. Thinking of Ken and his "own brand of magic", I remember John Updike's poem "Perfection Wasted". My condolences to Ken's family and friends.

Judith Lombard

June 16, 2009

Dear Cheryl, please accept my sincerest condolence on Ken’s passing.

What a life force he was! His light burned so intensely! He illuminated the lives of many, many people, making our lives better or more satisfying or richer or better informed – or all four.

I remember Ken's passions: for his vocation - psychiatry; for improved mental health care; for novel effective treatment modalities; about St. Elizabeths Hospital history and its trees and grounds; for bibliotherapy and poetry therapy; for books, books, and more books; for teaching (and Ken was always teaching); and for his friends, his family members – and you.

Since hearing the news, Ken keeps popping up in my thoughts. I remember book club sessions at his P St. apartment; his asking me to present a paper on hospital management at a Medical Society (MS) Conference; his encouraging me to stand for election to the Society (a 1st for someone in therapeutic recreation); his assistance with my dissertation and our discussions of Jung and masculine & feminine archetypes; our work together on the St. E’s history; his hug and well wishes at my retirement party; and so much more. Ken certainly blessed my life.

I hope you – and other members of Ken’s family – get some comfort from the stories people tell you about Ken and from knowing how much he meant to other people.

love, Judith

June 15, 2009

Ken was a true leader and went to bat for the patients at St. E's. He testified for the Stamps for a Living Business in front of the DC City Council and this business is still flourishing today with 60 patients working. For many patients, this is their first job. Thank you Ken! You were such a blessing!
Mark Melanson OTR/L

Carole Berke

June 12, 2009

Cheryl, I knew Ken when we were both youngsters at St. Elizabeths. We dated a bit and I forced him to go ice skating. I still remember to this day your brilliant husband flailing on the ice. He was a terrific guy and he will be missed.

Carole Berke

Henry Brem

June 10, 2009

Ken had a tremendous impact on me and all of those he touched here at Hopkins. I am terribly sorry for the loss, but very happy that I had a chance to meet and know him even for a short while.

June 10, 2009

Cheryl, i remember fondly Ken at St E's and you both in book club, my prayers are for you and him Marshall Fitz

Carl Glassman

June 9, 2009

Cheryl,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ken,
"cousin Kenny", was an inspiration and great 'older cousin' to me. The sparkle in his blue eyes lives on in his loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

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