Donald Roy Gerecke, 72, of West Windsor Township, NJ, passed away peacefully, at his home on the morning of April 30, 2023.

Born in Passaic, NJ, Don grew up in Saddle Brook, NJ and lived in Boston, MA before settling in West Windsor 25 years ago.

Don earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science, Class of 1972 and a Master of Science Degree in Entomology and Economic Zoology, Class of 1976 both from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. Upon graduation he worked over ten years, first at UniRoyal and then at Rhone-Poulenc, as a research pesticide chemist. He then went on to Harvard University, Cambridge, MA where he earned a PhD in Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Class of 1992. The next five years he worked as a research fellow and instructor for the Department of Dermatology. In 1998, he moved to NJ, taking on a professorship at Rutgers University. During his 25 years at Rutgers University, he was on the faculty of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. His research was funded through the NIH and the Department of Defense.

Dr. Gerecke mentored as co-advisor to the AZO fraternity as well as the Rutgers Pharmacy Honor Program for several years.  He had a compassionate place in his heart for all students, Pharmacy, graduate, undergraduate students alike. Either in the classroom, at the research bench, or through several other student related activities. They, in turn, honored him by participating in the NYC Parkinson's Unity Walkathon as well as bestowing upon him the William and Helen Teacher of the Year for 2008 as well as 2009.  He retired from Rutgers University having earned the title of Associate Professor.

He was active in the theatre community acting in over 22 plays at the Kelsey Theatre at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ and the Washington Crossing State Park Open Air Theatre in Titusville, NJ.  When not acting, he enjoyed playing the piano and singing.

Predeceased by his parents, Harry and Carol (Drecki) Gerecke and 3 brothers, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Marion "Emmy" Gordon and his daughter and her partner, Rebecca Gerecke and Peter Comerford, of West Windsor Twp., NJ.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2023 at 1PM at the Green Grove in Washington Crossing State Park, 355 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road, Titusville, NJ  08560

Contributions, in his memory, to Michael J. Fox Foundation (michaeljfox.org) or Parkinson's Foundation (parkinsons.org), are appreciated.