Marvin Metsky

Marvin Metsky, Ph.D., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday at his home in Morris Plains, surrounded by his family. He was two weeks shy of his 96th birthday.

The son of Charlie and Rose Metsky, Marvin was born on January 2, 1922 in Newark and was raised there with his two brothers, Seymour and Ira.

He served in the US Coast Guard during World War II and then graduated from the University of Louisville. After earning a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from NYU in 1953, Marvin co-founded Short Hills Associates in Clinical Psychology. While maintaining his practice for over 40 years, he was a consulting psychologist for Essex County Youth House and Beth Israel Medical Center.

Among his numerous accomplishments, Marvin was most proud to have served as President of the New Jersey Psychological Association and to have been a guiding influence in shaping the practice of clinical psychology on a national scale. He was a member of the Council of Representatives of the American Psychological Association, and a member of the Board of Directors of several of its divisions, including the Society of Clinical Psychology. He was a founding member of the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers University.

Marvin and his wife, Eleanor Metsky (née Ziering), were married for 57 years. They raised their two children, Richard and Karen, in Livingston. Ellie and Marv relished family road trips with their children, exploring neighborhoods in NYC, and spending time with their grandsons. A favorite avocation was sharing his simple philosophy on life: “Keep walking, eat smartly, and enjoy life!”

Predeceased by Eleanor and his two brothers, he is survived by Richard (Joy) and Karen (Rob) Cowen; four adored grandsons, Hayden, Evan, Matthew, and Spencer; and dear friend, Mimi Simpkins.

A graveside service will be held at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Iselin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research