Robert P. Hershkowitz, M.D. of West Long Branch, passed away peacefully at home March 18, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born in Jersey City and was a graduate of Muhlenberg College and Hahnemann School of Medicine. Bob had been a practicing internist in Long Branch for over 45 years.
Surviving are his loving wife, Elaine; children, Scott, Brian and his wife Nycole, Dawn Adamo and her husband John, and Eric Grissom and his wife Casey; sisters Diane Salzberger and Shelley Mandy; sisters-in-law Sharon Hershkowitz and Pat Boden; and grandchildren, Ellie, Matthew, Kate, Gavin, Hannah, Ingrid, Emily, Avery, Ava, Reilly and Cooper; several nieces and nephews; and his furry friend Fluffy.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Bernie and Harriet (Nadelhaft); brother Jerry; and brother-in-law Paul Salzberger.
Bob loved nothing more than the challenge of diagnosing difficult medical cases, teaching residents at Monmouth Medical Center, nurse practitioners at Monmouth University, and discussing cases with his colleagues in the physicians’ lunch room. Perhaps his greatest strength as a physician was that he always intently listened to his patients, for he knew that they held the key to a correct diagnosis. It was only a matter of finding the right question. Bob was an old school physician, a problem solver of the human condition, and many of his patients became dear friends.
Bob’s greatest joys were his family, close friends, medicine and playing tennis (and not always in that order).
Bob wanted to be known simply as “a good doctor.”
The family intends to plan a celebration of his life when people may gather together safely.
Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank is in charge of arrangements. Donations may be made to Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (themmrf.org).
The article originally appeared in the March 25 – 31, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.
