Gerald Booken
Gerald Booken, 105, of Pringle, Pa., died Aug. 20, 2017. Born in New York City, he lived in Newark; South Orange; Short Hills; Verona; Freeport, Bahamas; Pahoa, Hawaii; and West Palm Beach, Fla., before moving to his latest residence three years ago.
Dr. Booken practiced general surgery in Newark and Irvington and was affiliated with both Beth Israel and Doctor’s Hospitals in Newark. He practiced in Newark until the age of 70, retiring in 1981.
He was a graduate of Temple University and its Medical School in Philadelphia.
He was a Major in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, serving as commander of medical unit 224 associated with the 20th bomber division. A significant stint of his service took place in India, and he took pride in his execution of an emergency appendectomy, on a troop ship with limited medical facilities, while crossing the Atlantic in 1944.
He supported United Jewish Appeal.
He played golf well into his 90s.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Sandra; his daughter, Wendy (Edward) Peskin of Hilo, Hawaii; his son, Randy (Cathrine Sharkness) of Pringle; two grandsons; and a great-grandson.
Memorial contributions may be made to Temple University Medical School.
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