Ernest J. Gentchos, M.D. died peacefully on March 27, 2024.

A graduate of Camden High School, he attended Illinois Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.  He received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.  He interned at Albert Einstein Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

He served in the U.S. Army with the First Air Calvary Division on active duty in the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

Upon his return he completed a general surgery and an orthopedic residency at The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Gentchos began his private practice in Burlington County, NJ.  During this time he completed a fellowship in spine surgery at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, MA.  After 25 years of private practice, he returned to The University of Pennsylvania, Department of Orthopedics as a full time faculty member on the shoulder and elbow service.  During his time at Penn he never forgot his fellow veterans, working part time at the Veteran's Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Gentchos was an active, involved member of the Tatem Shields Post #17, American Legion in Collingswood, NJ for many years.

Born in Greece to his Greek mother and his Greek American father, he never forgot his Greek heritage, it's culture, religion, language and music.

Dr. Gentchos believed that the practice of medicine was a calling.  He knew from an early age that medicine would be his life.  He was a consumate educator, a mentor to many of his students.  An outstanding surgeon and diagnostician, he cared deeply for his patients and devoted himself to their care.  He touched many lives.

His memory will be cherished and his presence will be forever missed by his wife, his four children and six grandchildren, his extended family, his colleagues and friends.

He summed up his personal philosophy by these words: "What you do for others matters most.  That is how I live my life."

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Friday, April 5, 2024, 9:00 to 10:00 AM at St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church, 615 Mercer St., Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.  Service will follow at 10:00 AM.  Interment Camden County Veteran's Cemetery at Harleigh Cemetery, Camden, NJ.