LeRoy B. Gerchman, M.D., Ph.D., 83, of Allentown, died peacefully July 20, 2024, in his home.

He and his wife, Vincenza M. “Vinny” (Acacia) Gerchman, would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Aug. 8.

He was a member of St. Thomas More Church, Salisbury Township.

Born April 28, 1941, in Forest City, he was the son of the late Joseph and Pauline (Stephanic) Gerchman.

After graduation from high school, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Scranton in 1963, and his Master of Science degree from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb., in 1965.

He received both his Doctorate of Philosophy degree in 1968 from Michigan State University, Lansing, Mich. and his Medical Doctorate degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Lansing.

He was elected to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society on April 27, 1967, and Sigma Xi Honor Society on May 25, 1969.

He served his internship at the former Allentown General Hospital from 1972-73 and an Associate Professorship at Michigan State University Colleges of Human and Veterinary Medicine.

He was a family physician with West End Medical Group from 1973 until his retirement in January 2015.

He was an active member of the medical staff at Lehigh Valley Hospital since 1975 and Sacred Heart Hospital since 1973.

A Diplomat of The American Board of Family Practice since 1977, he has received recertifications every seven years since 1977. He has been a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians since 1987.

He received a Certificate of Merit from the Lehigh County Medical Society for more than 25 years of service and was named an Honoree of Lehigh Valley Hospital for 25 consecutive years of service in March 2001.

He was a member of the Lehigh County Medical Society and the Pennsylvania Medical Society since 1972.

He was the author of many scientific publications and presentations throughout his career.

Beyond his medical achievements, he had a gift for healing, both in his practice and in his home.

His patients found comfort in his expertise and compassionate bedside manner, and his family found solace in his unwavering love and support.

He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, intelligence, and love that knew no bounds.

His true treasure was his family.

He was a loving husband and best friend to his wife for more than 60 years, and devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to the family he loved so dearly.

He cherished spending time with them, hunting, playing golf, football and baseball (even at 83) in the backyard and attending performances and ballgames for each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A dynamic couple on the dance floor, the family adored watching him dance with mom at every wedding and family celebration.

He will be missed by his wife, family and the countless lives he touched.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by sons Glenn Gerchman and his wife, Robin (Weber), of Clermont, Fla., and Eric Gerchman and his wife, Denyell (Reifinger), of Denmark, Maine; daughters Donna Reiss of Allentown, and Wendy and her husband, Scott Stephan, of Macungie; 14 beloved grandchildren; and two beloved great-grandchildren.

Condolences may be offered at jsburkholder.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. Thomas More Catholic Church or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements were made by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.