Aaron M. Gillman

Born – December 4, 1917, Brooklyn, New York

Passed away – April 21, 2012, age 94, embraced and loved by his children until his last day and moment. He brought us into the world and we saw him out of it.

Parents – Tessie Grosse & Sam Gillman

He leaves behind his loving family:

Siblings – Gilly, as he was called by his family, was the eldest of 4, Sheppie (deceased), Gloria, Ranette

Marriages – Marjorie Rosenthal (deceased) with whom he had two children, Lydia and Peter. Elizabeth Perles with whom he had one child, Sherie (Wally Barge)

7 Grandchildren – Sam Rosenbaum, Matt Gillman, Andy Gillman, Erin Gillman, Anna Barge, Nicole Barge, Emily Barge

Education

Bachelor of Arts, 1937, Master of Science in Public Health, 1938, University of Michigan

Doctor of Medicine, New York Universtiy College of Medicine, 1942

WW-II – Major, US Army Medical Corp, 1945

Professional Path

Private practice, Ophthalmology, 1950 – 1995 with patients extending three generations and regarded as his extended family. His practice was taken over by former students

Attending Surgeon, Manhattan Eye & Ear Hospital, New York Eye & Ear Hospital, University Hospital, Bellevue Hospital

Pathologist, Manhattan Eye & Ear Hospital, New York Eye & Ear Hospital, University Hospital

Clinical Professor, Ophthalmology, NYU College of Medicine

Diplomate and Examiner, American Board of Ophthamology, 1950

Fellow and Lecturer, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1950

Professional Publications, Pathogenesis of Complications in Cataract Surgery: Little Brown, 1981

Consultant, New York State, Office of Disability Determinations, Panel of Specialists, HS Systems, NY, 1995 – 2001

Jewish life at JCC/Kol Ami, B’nai B’rith

Dad was involved in many aspects of Jewish life at JCC/Kol Ami and B’nai B’rith; including Mens Council for which he was awarded Man of the Year, 1968. He led many breakfast programs about Jewish history, especially the history of Colonial Jews for which he composed a Bicentennial service in 1976.

In later years, Dad regularly participated in Saturday morning Torah study and worship services in the Chapel in the Woods

Life Long Learning/Interest/Philantropy

Dad was curious about many subjects throughout his life; reading about history, space, science, and literature; listening to and recording classical music; and enjoying PBS specials and movie classics. Dad went to Berlitz to master Spanish when he took over Dr. Arturo Troncoso’s practice in 1950’s; he also spoke French, German, and passable Yiddish.

Dad was an avid gardener; bringing his flowers and vegetable on the train to his NYC office to share with his patients; his photography, and painting, including watercolors of the eye to illustrate his lectures at NYU, floral still lifes, landscapes and self portraits are treasured by his family.

Dad was an ongoing sponsor to schools he attended, to Jewish organizations supporting civil rights to Passover matzo made in Israel, and to many organizations involved with vision, from research to Seeing Eye Dogs.

Funeral & Burial

Funeral: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 12:00 Noon, Kol Ami Chapel in the Woods, 252 Soundview Avenue, White Plains, NY 10606

Interment: Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, 80 Commerce Street, Hawthorne, NY 10532.

In lieu of flowers, donations to B’nai B’rith, www.bnaibrith.org or American Foundation for the Blind, www.afb.org in his memory would be most appreciated.

Shiva will be observed following the interment Sunday, April 29, 2012 at 6:00 PM at the home of Lydia Gillman and her son, Sam Rosenbaum.