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DR. HAROLD ELIOT GORDON Age 104, of Ligonier, died Sunday, May 19, 2019, peacefully in the comfort of his home surrounded by his devoted family and caregivers. He was born January 6, 1915 in New Britain, CT, one of seven children of the late Abraham and Jane Poriss Gordon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife of 45 years, Frances Hodge Gordon and two daughters, Rachel Jane Gordon and Frances A.H. Gordon. Dr. Gordon attended Yale University '36 where he was a proud member of the varsity 150 pound football team. Following college, he attended the University of London, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, where he was awarded a degree in Internal Medicine (1938). Following the war, his medical education continued at the University of Pittsburgh where he received a Doctor of Medicine (1949). He loved the challenge of education and later went on to earn a degree in Pathology. He moved to Ligonier in 1951 where he practiced medicine until 1985 when he retired at age 70. In addition to college, Dr. Gordon proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II and remained active in the USNR until 1971, retiring as a Commander. During this time he was also an Assistant Professor of Naval Science and Tactics at Harvard University. Dr. Gordon was a member of the Rolling Rock Club and an active member of many associations and professional organizations where he continued to impart his knowledge and skill as an educator and scholar: the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners, Assistant Coroner, College of American Pathologists, Emeritus Fellow, the American Medical Association, American Academy of Family Practitioners, Latrobe Society of Medicine, and the Byers-Tosh, American Legion #267. His hobbies included tennis and collecting first issue stamps. In addition he was an avid reader and successful equity investor. Dr. Gordon was a devoted family man and gained great pleasure in the company and activities of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always encouraging one to do one's best and taking pride in those achievements. In his later years, he took the time to enjoy the natural beauty of his surroundings, sharing it with family and friends. In addition, he cared deeply for his former patients, colleagues, and for the dedicated, compassionate, and loving caregivers who enabled him to remain in his home. His wisdom, dry wit, warmth, and empathy endeared him to his family and to all who knew him. He has touched the lives of many and will be sorely missed. He has set the bar! Dr. Gordon is survived by a son, Edwin H. (Susan) Gordon of Morristown, NJ; a daughter, Anne Earle of Weekapaug, RI and Naples, FL; four grandchildren, Cabot (Christina) Earle of Pittsburgh, Ashley (Andrew) Weiderman of Charlotte, NC, Edwin H. Gordon, Jr. (EJ) and Tekla Strom Gordon, both of Morristown, NJ: six great-grandchildren, Henry, Eliot, and Caroline Earle and Alexandra, William, and Emily Weiderman. Dr. Gordon was buried Tuesday beside his beloved wife at St. Michael's Cemetery in Rector. A service to celebrate Dr. Gordon's life will be held, Saturday, June 22, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael's of the Valley Church in Rector with the Rev. Dr. James Simons as celebrant. A reception will follow in the Smith Parish House. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in Dr. Gordon's memory to the Ligonier Valley Library, 120 West Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 or to the Ligonier Valley YMCA, 110 West Church Street, Ligonier, PA 15658. The J. PAUL MCCRACKEN FUNERAL CHAPEL, INC., of Ligonier is assisting the family. To send a condolence or tribute to Dr. Gordon or his family, please visit:www.jpaulmccrackenfuneralchapel.com Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb
