Necrology
Because Hamilton Remembers
Donald Herbert Gent '49
Dec. 8, 1926-Oct. 7, 2019
Donald Herbert Gent ’49, a psychiatrist and surgeon of Hanover, Pa., was born on Dec. 8, 1926, in Endicott, N.Y., the second son of the former Cora Trippe and Thomas Gent, an electrician. He graduated from Endicott Union High School in 1944.
Gent entered Hamilton that year, but his studies were interrupted by World War II. He returned to campus in the fall of 1946 and graduated with the Class of 1949, although he is also listed with the Class of ’50. Gent noted years later that he felt “betwixt and between.” On the Hill, he majored in biology and physics.
Gent credited his experience on College Hill with bolstering his future success. “I used to think all schools were roughly equal, but Hamilton is tougher, more comprehensive than other schools, and gave me an advantage,” he wrote for his 50th reunion yearbook.
After earning an M.D. from Columbia University in 1952 and pursuing an internship and residency in internal medicine at Robert Packer Hospital and Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, Pa., Gent was licensed as a physician and surgeon, practicing for 10 years. Following a specialized residency in psychiatry, and eventual board certification, he practiced as a psychiatrist in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Gent was on the staff at Hanover Hospital for many years, and after his retirement in 1993, he continued as a staff member with the Adams-Hanover Counseling Center. During his long career he received numerous awards and lifetime achievements, according to a published obituary.
A lover of music, fishing, and studying Scripture, Gent was a member or on the board of numerous community and international organizations. He and his wife, Myrtle, also relished traveling to the island of Bonaire, Israel, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and England.
Gent died on Oct., 7, 2019. He was 92 and is survived by two sons, two daughters, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife and their eldest daughter.
Note: Memorial biographies published prior to 2004 will not appear on this list.
Necrology Writer and Contact:
Christopher Wilkinson '68
Email: Chris.Wilkinson@mail.wvu.edu
The Joel Bristol Associates
Hamilton has a long-standing history of benefiting from estate and life payment gifts. Thoughtful alumni, parents, and friends who remember Hamilton in their estate plans, including retirement plan beneficiary designations, or complete planned gifts are recognized and honored as Joel Bristol Associates.
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Jacke Jones
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