Eric Wurmser

Dr. Eric Alan Wurmser, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, colleague and friend, passed away peacefully at home on January 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.

Born in Louisville, KY, Eric’s life was characterized by remarkable achievements, a deep commitment to helping others, and a vibrant spirit leaving an indelible mark on those he encountered. His unique and unconventional worldview shaped his character, making him an intriguing and unforgettable individual.

Eric received his bachelor’s degree from Miami University of Ohio before attending Rutgers Medical School, where he was part of the first graduating class, ultimately earning his medical degree from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. Dr. Wurmser went on to complete his residency in Plastic Surgery at Downstate Medical Center/Kings County Hospital, where he met his wife, Teri, and also spent 10 years teaching medical students and residents.

For over 40 years, Dr. Wurmser worked as a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in private practice, with expertise in cleft lip and palate surgery and wound care. For many years, he served as Chief of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, NJ, and Medical Director of the Cleft Lip and Palate Center at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ.

Dr. Wurmser’s work extended far beyond the operating room. An advocate for underserved populations, he dedicated over 20 years to medical missions in Southeast Asia and Central America. First with the Aloha Medical Mission, and later by founding his nonprofit, the Northeast Medical Mission, he provided care to those in need. With his medical and nursing colleagues, he performed hundreds of cleft lip and palate and reconstructive surgeries for patients who lacked access to this care. His contributions earned him numerous awards, but it was the love and gratitude of those he helped that truly defined his legacy.

Eric’s interests were as varied as they were expansive. He was a host for a medical radio show, served as a ring physician for the New Jersey Athletic Commission overseeing boxing and martial arts, and pursued many hobbies including horseback riding, motorcycling, hiking, scuba diving, woodworking, and even learned to pilot airplanes. He found joy in the freedom of the open road and the thrill of the outdoors. A lover of good food, literature, poetry, and music, Eric embraced life with an insatiable curiosity. His home was filled with books, and he shared his love of literature as an instructor in the English Department at Georgian Court University for many years.

Eric’s generosity extended beyond his professional and intellectual contributions. Whether offering medical advice to a friend, lending a helping hand to a colleague, or simply being there for his loved ones, Eric made time for others. Eric was a mentor to many, guiding colleagues and young professionals with his wisdom, and generosity of spirit. His larger-than-life personality, warmth, and natural leadership made him an inspiring figure to those who knew him well.

Eric’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. He was a loving husband of 45 years to his wife Teri. He was a devoted father to his children, Kurt and Rachel, and loving grandfather to Alex and Isabelle. He was predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Gertrude Wurmser, and his in-laws, Jim and Lou Colassano, as well as his beloved dogs and horses who gave him many years of joy. He is also survived by his sister, Karen King Stanhope, his niece Tzipporah Moshe and her husband Ilan and their 14 children; his nephew, Jonathan Katz; brothers-in-law and their wives, Frank and Ginna Colassano, and Jim and Laura Colassano, his daughter In law, Katie, and many dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Eric’s legacy is one of service, adventure, love, and generosity. He was a man who lived life to the fullest and marched to the beat of his own drum. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on in the many lives he touched, and his memory will carry forward for generations to come.

A memorial service to honor Dr. Eric Wurmser’s extraordinary life will be held on January 18, 2025, at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapel, 2130 Highway 35, Ocean, New Jersey 07712. Guests may arrive at 10:30 for a memorial service that will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown, NJ immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eric A. Wurmser, MD Lectureship at Georgian Court University, 900 Lakewood Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701, or the Ann May Center for Advancement of Professional Nursing Practice at Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation 343 Thornall Street, Edison, NJ 08837.