Robert "Bob" Sherman Grayson

Bob cherished his family. He relished sharing elegant outings with his beloved wife, discussing big ideas with his insightful children, inquiring about his grandchildren’s interests, and joking around with his playful older brother. He offered sage advice and fierce medical advocacy to all of his relatives.

Intellectual pursuits captured Bob’s soul. From treating patients to teaching medical ethics, from devouring news to regularly practicing Spanish, from tracking technology developments to engaging in Torah study with a rabbi at his assisted living community, Bob felt most alive when learning, teaching, or debating complex issues.

Bob was a leader in the field of psychiatry, particularly psychoanalysis. He proudly earned both an A.B. and M.D. from Cornell University. Soon after, Bob became Chief Resident in psychiatry at the top program in the country. Later, while serving as a captain in the Army, he ran the entire psychiatry department at the US Army hospital in Puerto Rico. In addition to compassionately treating countless patients over the decades, Bob taught medical students and psychoanalysis trainees. He served on professional boards and committees, presented at conferences, and penned numerous academic articles and book chapters. Bob was a proud and active member of the New York Psychoanalytic Institute and served for two years as president. In 2006, Bob received the New York Psychoanalytic Society’s Brill Lecture Award, an honor that culminated in him delivering an incisive talk on psychiatry ethics.

In addition to his keen mind, Bob had a wonderful sense of humor. He knew how to build human connection with a well-turned joke and a smile.

In his leisure time, Bob pursued hobbies. A music connoisseur, he was moved by Mozart and entertained by Latin jazz. He loved to travel abroad and within the US, including spending summers on Long Island with his family. For fitness, Bob enjoyed tennis matches with his best friend.

Bob cherished his friendships, taking great pride in the accomplishments and joys in his friends’ lives and offering steady assistance in their times of need.

The family will be receiving guests for Bob on Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey 07039, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial to follow at B'nai Jeshurun Cemetery, Hillside, New Jersey.