Howard R. Gordon ’57

Another distinguished physician in our class, Howie died April 12, 2024.

He was born Nov. 12, 1935, in Brooklyn, N.Y. He came to Princeton from Phillips Exeter Academy, where he participated in tennis, squash, and music. At Princeton, Howie was a member of Key and Seal, managed the soccer team, and majored in biology. His senior-year roommates were Bill Farlie, Bill McMillan, Paul Roberts, Norm Rousseau, and George Thomas.

After graduation, Howie attended the University of Rochester School of Medicine. He remained in Rochester for an additional year of internship in medicine and OB/GYN. Next, he completed five years of residency at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, where he was named chief resident of OB/GYN. He married Elizabeth Taylor-Cherdy, a Smith graduate. The Army followed, where he taught for three years at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu, Hawaii.

After the Army, Howie began a distinguished career in both private practice and academics. In the late 1970s, he became one of the first accredited perinatologists (high-risk obstetrics) in the country. He held positions in private practice and at universities in California and West Virginia. Ultimately, his long and satisfying career in medicine gave way to retirement in California and the opportunity to enjoy his many interests including travel, gardening, and cars.

Howie is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth; their three children, Jennifer, Peter, and Emily; and three grandchildren.