Gerald E. Kadish

Kadish – Gerald E., born in New York City on May 16 1932, died peacefully in hospice care on December 8, 2024 from complications of Parkinson’s. The only child of Jerome Isaac Kadish and Belle Shapiro, he graduated from the Bronx High School of Science. Gerry also attended Hunter College, following a two-year sojourn in Germany with the US Army, and then earned his PhD at the Oriental Institute in the University of Chicago.

Retired at age 80 as Distinguished Teaching Professor of History, Gerry’s career spanned 50 years at SUNY Binghamton, beginning when the university first started as Harpur College. He taught all the ancient histories – Greek, Roman, and Ancient Near East, but his main love was Ancient Egypt, where he researched and travelled frequently, leading many tours. Widely respected and admired by colleagues and friends, loved by students for his devotion to excellence in undergraduate education, for his sense of humour, his warmth, kindness, and extraordinary generosity, he maintained connections to numerous alumni who frequently cite him as the most influential person of their early lives.

He is survived by his wife, Jocelyn Ghent Mallett, two step-children, David Ghent (Arathi) and Tove Friedman (Douglas) and three step-grandchildren, Brooke and Curtis Ghent, and Nathan Friedman. His half-sister Barri Lynn Kaye also deeply mourns the loss of the wonderful brother she always called Skip. Long embraced by Jocelyn’s Canadian and English families, he is much loved as brother-in-law, uncle, and great uncle. He will be terribly missed.

It is Gerry’s wish that there be no funeral. His ashes go to Heart Lake in Quebec, a place that he loved. Memorial contributions may be made to Mercy House, in Endicott NY, the hospice where he spent his last few days, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent in care of Hopler and Eschbach, 483 Chenango, Binghamton, 13901.

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