Obituaries

Dr. George E. Piper

Psychiatrist, of Haddonfield, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on June 5, 2022, at the age of 77

George is survived by his loving wife, Diane.  Dear father of Lauren (Michael) Koch of Haddonfield, NJ and loving grandfather of Katie and Michael George. Predeceased by his parents George and Betty (nee Ney) Piper.  Survived by his brother Shawn (Deborah) Piper of Marmora, NJ; sister, Holly Bell of Lewistown, PA; nephews Ryan, Brandon, and Derrick Piper, and Nathan Bell; and niece, Holly Campano.

Born in McVeytown, a small town in Central Pennsylvania, George attended Rothrock High School, where he garnered local fame as a member of the Eagles 1963 PIAA Class C State Basketball Championship team.  He graduated from Davidson College in 1967, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree, and received his medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 1971.

George was the second of two psychiatrists who founded the UMDNJ-SOM Department of Psychiatry (now Rowan University-SOM Department of Psychiatry) in 1983.  As Vice-Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, George assisted the Chairman in the development of the department’s patient services and teaching programs for medical students and residents.

In 1994, George became the Assistant Dean of Graduate Medical Education at UMDNJ-SOM, and then Associate Dean, where he was responsible for postgraduate physician trainees, residency and fellowship training programs, and affiliations with primary and secondary affiliated hospital systems.  He was also responsible for organizing the UMDNJ-SOM Graduate Medical Education training system in the first accredited UMDNJ-SOM Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution (OPTI), which received national recognition and acclaim for being the model Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institution for the country.

In 2005, George retired from UMDNJ-SOM and entered the field of private practice in Cherry Hill, NJ, where he continued to practice until his recent passing.  He was the consummate professional, who was always available for his patients.  His empathy and kindness were evident in his patient care.

George was a man of integrity. He was empathic and kind to all, including his family, friends, patients, and strangers.  He treated everyone with love, respect, and dignity.

As per his wishes, George will be returned to Jack’s Mountain close to his childhood home in McVeytown, PA, where his remains will be scattered.  Funeral services will be private.

For those who desire, contributions in George’s memory may be made to the McVeytown Presbyterian Church, 5 N. Queen Street, P.O. Box 323, McVeytown, PA  17051