L. Gerald "Jerry" Laufer M.D.

Dr. Ludwig Gerald Laufer, M.D. “Jerry”, age 94, of Rocky Point, NY passed away on Wednesday April 19, 2017 after a brief illness and in the company of family members. Jerry was much beloved by the many who encountered his kindness, generosity, caring, and above-all wry sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Patricia, children Prakash (George Peter), Katherine, Susan, and David, daughter-in-law Jody and many nieces and nephews and grandchildren.

Dr. Laufer served the citizens of New York City for over 50 years in the private practice of psychiatry in Manhattan and as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Cornell University Medical College. He was a pioneer in the use of group therapy in the practice of psychiatry and founded and co-chaired the group therapy training program of the Payne Whitney Clinic. He was also honored as a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Laufer served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy at the end of WWII and in the U.S. Army as Chief of Neuropsychiatry in Okinawa during the Korean war. A graduate of Bucknell University and Cornell University Medical College, Dr. Laufer dedicated his life and career in the service of others. He will be greatly missed.