LeRoy B. Gerchman, M.D., Ph.D., 83, of Allentown, died peacefully in his home July 20, 2024. He was the husband of Vincenza M. “Vinny” (Acacia) Gerchman. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 8. Born in Forest City, he was the son of the late Joseph and Pauline (Stephanic) Gerchman.

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

After graduation from high school, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Scranton and his Master of Science degree from Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.; his doctorate from Michigan State University, Lansing, Mich. and his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Lansing, Mich.

He was elected to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and Sigma Xi Honor Society. He served his internship at the former Allentown General Hospital 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 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 received recertifications every seven years since 1977. He was 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.

He cherished spending time with his family, 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 is survived by his wife; sons, Glenn and his wife, Robin (Weber), of Clermont, Fla., Eric and his wife, Denyell (Reifinger), of Denmark, Maine; daughters, Donna Reiss, of Allentown, Wendy and her husband, Scott Stephan, of Macungie; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

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

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. July 24 in St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1040 Flexer Ave., Allentown. Calling hours will be held 10-11 a.m. July 24 in the church.