Gerald David Weinstein

Gerald David Weinstein, MD, a recognized international leader in the field of

psoriasis research, died at the age of 79 on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 in

Tustin. Dr. Weinstein served as the chair of the Department of Dermatology at

the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine from 1979 to 2004. He was

appointed the Acting Dean at the University of California, Irvine School of

Medicine from 1985 to 1987.

Born on October 13, 1936 in Flushing in Queens borough of New York City,

Gerald attended Jamaica High School in Queens and went on to attend the

University of Pennsylvania for college. Although he was accepted into the

Wharton School of Business, he became intrigued by science and biology and

with encouragement from his family he switched to a pre-medical program. He

went on to attend University of Pennsylvania for medical school before

completing his medical internship at the University of Southern California’s

County hospital in Los Angeles. Gerald became interested in academic research

and completed a Dermatology research fellowship at the National Institute of

Health in 1962. He went on to residency program in Dermatology at the

University of Miami and joined the faculty there post graduation. In 1979 he

accepted an offer from University of California, Irvine to become founding chair

for the department of Dermatology. The department soon became one of the

leading programs in the nation, attested by the high-caliber faculty and

graduation of successful residents. During the period of 1985-1987, Dr.

Weinstein was appointed by the UC Irvine Chancellor to be the Acting Dean of

the College of Medicine, an attestation in itself to his administrative and

leadership capabilities.

Dr. Weinstein’s research helped define the cellular kinetic basis of psoriasis and

other hyperproliferative skin disorders. In addition, he made major contributions

to developing more effective treatment regimens for psoriasis. He founded the

Dermatology Clinical Research Center at UC Irvine which today still focuses on

new treatments for psoriasis. Dr. Weinstein had a passion for teaching. He

mentored many medical students, residents and faculty who carry forward his

intellectual curiosity and search for knowledge. His legacy will be remembered

for his triad of academic excellence in teaching, research and clinical service. In

1993, he was presented with the lifetime achievement award from the National

Psoriasis Foundation. More recently, the UC Irvine department of Dermatology

dedicated the Gerald D. Weinstein Library.

In addition to his professional achievements, Gerald was a devoted husband,

father and grandfather. He married his college sweetheart Marcia Zalmanoff in

1960 and they had three children, Jeffrey, Jonathan and Deborah. The family

lived happily for many years in Miami, Florida before making Gerald and Marcia’s

long dreamed of journey back to California in 1979. Their home was always filled

with music, laughter, friends and family. Gerald coached little league baseball,

never missed a high school band concert or tennis/soccer match and he loved to

talk with his kids about the family history. He loved opera, travel, skiing and his

life long passion -- golf. Always mindful of his Jewish heritage, he and Marcia

helped found the Solomon Schechter Day School in south Miami. Gerald was

always at Marcia’s side through several harrowing battles she faced with cancer

and then again when Marcia died in 1999.

In 2001, Gerald married again to an old friend and widow of another

dermatologist, Eleanor Saltzer. They lived a rich full life in Tustin, California for

many years. Together they enjoyed spending time with their many

grandchildren, volunteering with philanthropic and university organizations,

traveling the world, watching live opera and theater, playing bridge, attending

Angels baseball games, and of course, playing golf.

In the end, Gerald bravely faced the ravages of Alzheimer's disease and

dementia for several years. He died peacefully in his sleep.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Eleanor, his sister Barbara, his three children,

Jeffrey, Jonathan and Deborah, his grandchildren Nathaniel, Samuel, Amara and

Laila as well as Eleanor’s grandchildren.

Donations in honor of Dr. Weinstein can be made by visiting:

Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County http://www.alz.org/oc/

National Psoriasis Foundation https://www.psoriasis.org/about-us

Jewish Federation & Family Services; Orange County JewishOC.org or [email protected]