Gary Schechter, M.D.

January 12, 1939 - September 15, 2018

01/12/1939 - 09/15/2018

Past Services

Memorial
Tuesday September 25, 2018
1:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions

Surrounded by family, Dr. Schechter passed away September 15, 2018 from a traumatic brain injury due to a fall.
Born and raised in New York State, Gary attended Syracuse University, then graduated Summa Cum Laude, first in his class, from the State of New York College of Medicine, upstate. He interned at Montefiore Hospital in New York, served with the United States Public Health Service Hospitals, Norfolk, Virginia and Baltimore, Maryland. He was a resident in Ear, Nose and Throat specialty Washington University/Barnes Hospital, St Louis, Missouri.
Dr. Schechter began his professional career on the faculty of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.
He returned to Norfolk, Virginia, and became the founding Chairman of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, developing a Residency program, a Research division, a Hearing and Balance Center, and one of the country’ s leading Head and Neck Cancer practices. His CV documents his participation in many state and national medical organizations.
Dr. Schechter, retired in 1999 as Professor and Chairman Emeritus, and then shared his time between Virginia and Naples, Florida.
Putting his years of sailing behind, he pursued his woodworking hobbies, his love of motor-homing, and fearless dedication to community activities that protect the environment.
He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Barbara, three children: Jordana Schechter Efland (Michael), Stefan Beth Schechter Rosenberg (Paul) and Rick Schechter (Sandy). Eight grandchildren: Jessica and Matthew Efland (Hallie), Elizabeth and Jacob Rosenberg, Kristina Skeen, Kaitlyn and Jack Schechter.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Public Broadcasting (Norfolk, VA or Naples, FL) or the Southwest Florida Conservancy (Naples, Florida). The family would also like you to consider being an organ donor.
A memorial service, followed by the meal of condolence, will be held on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 1:00pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home at their new location, 5033 Rouse Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462. The family will receive visitors at the home of Jordie and Michael Efland on Wednesday the 26th and Thursday the 27th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. 624 Sam Snead Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

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Daniel Jiannetto, M.D.
1 year ago

Gary, Boss.

You were my surrogate professional father. You were my chairman and role model for a lifetime.

When I was under your tutelage, I did not understand your ways, but when I was on my own as a head & neck surgeon I appreciated all you taught me.

I will be forever indebted to you.

Rest In Peace

Forever you student,

Daniel Jiannetto, M.D.

Michael Kelleher
5 years ago

My mentor
I have strived to be half the healer Dr Schechter has been

Michael Kelleher
5 years ago

My mentor
I have tried to be half the healer Dr Schechter has been

C. Prince
5 years ago

I’m truly sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort continue to strengthen you as you cope at this most difficult time. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Corinthians 1:3,4