Naples, Fla.—Surrounded by family, Dr. Gary Schechter passed away September 15, 2018 from a traumatic brain injury due to a fall.
Born and raised in New York, Gary attended Syracuse University, then graduated Summa Cum Laude, first in his class, from the State of New York College of Medicine, upstate. He interned at Montefiore Hospital in New York, served with the United States Public Health Service Hospitals, Norfolk, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. He was a resident in Ear, Nose and Throat specialty Washington University/Barnes Hospital, St Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Schechter began his professional career on the faculty of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
He returned to Norfolk and became the founding chairman of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, developing a Residency program, a Research division, a Hearing and Balance Center, and one of the country’s leading Head and Neck Cancer practices. His CV documents his participation in many state and national medical organizations.
Dr. Schechter, retired in 1999 as Professor and Chairman Emeritus, and then shared his time between Virginia and Naples, Florida.
Putting his years of sailing behind, he pursued his woodworking hobbies, his love of motor-homing, and fearless dedication to community activities that protect the environment.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara, three children: Jordana Schechter Efland (Michael), Stefan Beth Schechter Rosenberg (Paul) and Rick Schechter (Sandy). Eight grandchildren: Jessica and Matthew Efland (Hallie), Elizabeth and Jacob Rosenberg, Kristina Skeen, Kaitlyn and Jack Schechter.
Donations may be sent to Public Broadcasting (Norfolk or Naples) or the Southwest Florida Conservancy (Naples, Florida). The family would also like you to consider being an organ donor.
A memorial service, followed by the meal of condolence, was held at Altmeyer Funeral Home at their new location, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.