Surrounded by family, Dr. Gary Schechter passed away Sept. 15, 2018 from a traumatic brain injury due to a fall.
Born and raised in New York State, 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 in Norfolk, Virginia, and Baltimore, Maryland. He was a resident in Ear, Nose and Throat specialty at 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, Virginia, 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 motorhoming, 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.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Public Broadcasting stations (Norfolk, Virginia or Naples, Florida) or the Southwest Florida Conservancy (Naples).
The family would also like you to consider being an organ donor.
A memorial service, followed by the meal of condolence, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, at 1 p.m. at Altmeyer Funeral Home at their new location, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, Va. 23462. The family will receive visitors at the home of Jordie and Michael Efland on Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., 624 Sam Snead Lane, Virginia Beach, Va. 23462.