Jerry Garnick

Jerry Garnick, age 90, passed away on June 6, 2023. Jerry was preceded in death by his spouse of 65 years, Bernice Garnick. The youngest son of Jewish immigrants, Harry and Dora Garnick, Jerry was raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended NYU and entered dental school at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a DDS in 1957 and Master of Science in Periodontics in 1959. He was in private practice for 13 years in Rochester, NY, but left for full-time research and teaching at the University of Connecticut and later the Medical College of Georgia. He was appointed Chair of Periodontics, 1991-1998, at MCG (now Augusta University) where he was professor emeritus. His 34 research studies have over a thousand citations. He was a diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology.

While in Rochester and Connecticut he was a mason and a member of a Shriner clown group that participated in visiting nursing homes and hospitals and other community events. As “Robo,” he performed with professional clowns in the Shrine Circus. He once worked with his favorite professional clown, Emmett Kelley, Jr. His children have fond memories of seeing him in the three-ring circus.

Dr. Garnick was active in the Jewish community of Augusta, serving on various committees and as president of Adas Yeshurun Synagogue from 1997-1998. The family is appreciative of the attentive care provided by the staff of the Phoenix at Braselton and the Honeybee caregivers.

He is survived by his three children, Dr. Nettie N. Albrecht, Murray R. Garnick, and Dr. Ilene G. Goldman, their respective spouses, Dr. J. William Albrecht, Dr. Teresa Blaxton, and Dean Goldman; his grandchildren Zachary D. Albrecht and wife Lisa, Alex Garnick, Dr. Benjamin J. Albrecht and wife Jessica, Ari Goldman, and Brett Goldman; great-grandchildren Skylar M. Albrecht and Oliver C. Albrecht; and brother Martin Garnick and his wife Harriet.

Graveside services will be held at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at Magnolia Cemetery of Augusta, Georgia, with Rabbi David Sirull officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations on his behalf be sent to Adas Yeshurun Synagogue, 935 Johns Rd, Augusta, Georgia 30904 or to a charity of your choice.