In Memory: Herbert Frank Gretz, Jr, M.D., J.D., Age 94

Herbert Frank Gretz, Jr, M.D., J.D. passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 94, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Shirley M Gretz of Niskayuna, New York; his 4 children, Elissa Gretz Friedman (Robert), Michael Joseph Gretz, Herbert Frank Gretz, III (Julianne Dunne) and Jane Gretz Bateman; his eight grandchildren: Kathryn Friedman Flack (Aaron), Caroline Friedman Stewart (William), Kristina Gretz Diaz (Joseph), Lauren Gretz, Daniel Bateman, Jennifer Bateman, James Bateman and Andrea Bateman; and his great-grandson Tyler Flack. His parents Herbert F. Gretz, Sr and Josephine W. Gretz and his brothers, John L. Gretz of Kent, Washington, and Richard W. Gretz of Edwards, Colorado preceded him in death.

Herbert was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on October 11, 1929 to Herbert F. Gretz, Sr and Josephine Weaver Gretz, and spent his childhood there. He was an Eagle Scout and a Sea Scout. He attended Lehigh University and graduated in 1951 with a degree in Pre-Medical Sciences, spending many summers during his attendance, crossing the country to fight forest fires in Idaho. At Lehigh, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He graduated from The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine earning his Medical Degree in 1955. His internship was at St. Lukes Hospital in Bethlehem PA, where he met his wife, Shirley. His residency was at University of California, San Francisco in OB/GYN. After residency he entered the military and was stationed at Loring Air Force base in Maine, Chanute AFB in Illinois and he went on to serve as the Chief of OB/GYN at the Royal Air Force Base in Lakenheath, England. After his time in the military, he entered private practice, beginning at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pennsylvania. He then moved to Niskayuna, New York where he was a busy OB/GYN for over 20 years. While practicing medicine, he earned his JD from Albany Law School, graduating in 1985. He returned to active duty in the Army during Desert Storm and served as the Chief of OB/GYN at West Point Military Academy for the next 5 years.. On January 22, 1996 he was admitted as an attorney and counselor of the Supreme Court of the United States by Chief Justice Rehnquist. He then served in the legal department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (now Walter Reed National Military Medical Center) under the Surgeon General, for many years. He honorably retired from the military at the rank of Colonel in 1996.

He enjoyed his retirement living in Niskayuna, NY and Cape Cod, MA. He loved to read, paint, fish and travel. He was a talented musician, who could play 7 musical instruments. He dearly loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.