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GEORGE GAETHE, M.D., a retired dermatologist who had moved to the North Shore community of Treasure Isle,\u00a0\u00a0passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. He was 96.<\/p>\n
A larger-than-life personality, Dr. Gaethe’s zest for life was indicated by his ever-present smile and his bellowing laughter. Although he was not a New Orleans native, he came to the Crescent City as a six-year-old. He maintained a love for most things New Orleans including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Saints NFL fanchise.<\/p>\n
It was his love of Mardi Gras that prodded him to rent a\u00a0pied-\u00e0-terre\u00a0<\/i>in the 400 block of Royal Street adjacent to world famous Brennan’s Restaurant for use on weekends and especially during the Carnival parade season. This was during the time that parades still rolled through the French Quarter, a practice discontinued after New Orleans Fire Department officials complained that oversized floats were a fire hazard.<\/p>\n
Gaethe moved with family to New Orleans in 1925 and graduated from Warren Easton High School in 1935. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor of science degree in 1939, but continued his studies in the School of Medicine located here. Dr. Gaethe received his M.D. from L.S.U. four years later in 1942. By then the nation was embroiled in the conflict of World War II. He enlisted as a member of the U.S. Army Medical Corps and served the nation from 1943-1946, rising to the rank of Major.<\/p>\n
It was at L.S.U. that he met the love of his life, Joy Rosenberg. The two were married for 62 years, until the time of her passing in 2005. Most of their married life was spent maintaining a residence in Metairie.<\/p>\n
Dr. Gaethe was a much beloved physician who treated his patients with the utmost of care. A\u00a0Fellow in the American College of Physicians (FACP), he maintained a thriving private practice until 1999, when he retired.<\/p>\n
A car enthusiast, Gaethe particularly loved driving a vintage Rolls Royce he owned. Oftentimes he would wear a chauffeur’s \u00a0and played the role to the hilt while driving his sons and friends to and from events. A jokester, he also loved setting up practical jokes. He was remembered for having purchased a gorilla costume, which he would don on several occasions in order to surprise family members and patients.<\/p>\n
He is survived by his sons Gary, Gordon, and Glenn Gaethe, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held at Chevra Thilim Cemetery, 4824 Canal Street at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 8. They were conducted by his nephew, Gates of Prayer temple educator Phil Gaethe.<\/p>\n
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to Northshore Jewish Congregation, 1403 North Causeway Mandeville, LA 70471 or to use the PayPal button on the congregation’s website<\/a> to select a direct online donation.<\/p>\n