Rabbi Gordon Geller of Shirat Hayam Reform Congregation in Ventnor.
VENTNOR – With profound sadness at his passing, along with gratitude and appreciation for all his life meant, we mourn the loss of Rabbi Gordon L. Geller. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Fight On Badger State!), he held rabbinical pulpits for more than 50 years.
He led the Temple Emeth Shalom congregation in Margate for more than 30 wonderful years, joyfully celebrating and providing comfort to his community through countless life events, before later helping to establish the Shirat Hayam synagogue in Ventnor.
A staunch supporter of social justice and one who believed deeply in public service, he was immensely proud of his decade-long contribution as President of the Interfaith Area Clergy of Greater Atlantic City, his 20 years serving on the Board of the National Conference of Christian and Jews (now The National Conference on Diversity), and years offering spiritual guidance to residents of Seashore Gardens, federal correction facilities, and veteran hospitals. A tireless proponent of Jewish learning, he proudly taught as an adjunct-professor at Stockton University beginning in 1988.
He was ordained by Hebrew Union College with BA MA, and Doctor of Divinity degrees. He also earned a Juris Doctorate in Law and Philosophy from Catholic University of America in Washington D.C., and was a fellow at Hebrew University in Jerusalem.
In his later years, he worked tirelessly towards bringing a Holocaust Memorial to the Atlantic City area.
He is survived by his beloved wife and partner of 53 years Elaine, and his devoted children Clare (Geoff), Eliot (Limor), and Marc (Jaclyn), and seven loving grandchildren Maia, Talia, Oren, Isaac, Oliver, Sophie, and Noa.
Interment will be private. A Memorial Service will be held 2 p.m. Monday, May 6 in the Main Sanctuary at Shirat Hayam Congregation, 700 N. Swarthmore Ave.
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